Outrage as UFC chief Dana White says he’s ‘nobody’s puppet’ in ringing endorsement speech for pal Trump

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN: UFC President Dana White ignited a firestorm after he enthusiastically endorsed former president Donald Trump during the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee on Thursday, July 18.

White, known for his unfiltered demeanor and tough-guy persona, used his speech to emphasize Trump's resilience and leadership, sparking vehement backlash across social media platforms, the New York Post reported.

Dana White endorses Donald Trump at 2024 RNC

As Dana White took to the stage, he made it clear that his words were his own, declaring, "Nobody tells me what to say, and I’m nobody’s puppet."

With animated gestures and a commanding presence, White sought to champion Trump’s credentials to the passionate audience. "I’m in the tough guy business," he asserted, before adding, "And this guy’s the toughest, most resilient guy I’ve ever met in my life."

"I’m not telling you what to think. I’m telling you what I know," White continued.

White and Trump’s relationship is longstanding, dating back to the 1990s when Trump’s Taj Mahal in Atlantic City hosted UFC events. This partnership played a crucial role in legitimizing the then-controversial sport.

Over the years, their mutual admiration has grown, with White frequently voicing his support for Trump. By 2016, White was already a familiar face at the RNC, speaking in favor of Trump’s presidential bid.

Despite Trump’s recent legal troubles, including a hush-money trial conviction, White’s support has not wavered. Trump’s first public appearance post-conviction was at a UFC fight, further cementing their bond.

During a recent ESPN appearance, White praised Trump as "the legitimate, ultimate American badass of all time." This sentiment was echoed during his RNC speech, which followed appearances by wrestling icon Hulk Hogan and a performance by Kid Rock.

White, dressed in his signature dark suit and open white shirt, declared, "I know I’m gonna choose real American leadership and a real American badass."

Since Trump’s foray into politics, White has not only maintained but expanded his influence and financial success. He launched Power Slap, a slap-fighting competition, which has faced widespread criticism for its violent nature.

Dana White's endorsement of Donald Trump draws flak online

UFC President Dana White’s endorsement of Donald Trump at the 2024 RNC drew significant backlash on social media.

On Facebook, one user said, "This gets more pathetic by the moment.." While another remarked, "Dear God Stop. He's not any of those things. None of them."

One person wrote, "So tough he let 'bone spurs' get in the way of serving our country."

Another user mentioned, "Only republicans would be pumped to have a guy who beat his wife at the convention." One user posted, "This immoral unethical fool beat his wife on camera." One user commented, "Stopped watching the UFC a long time ago because of this douchebag."

Another user stated, "Yeah he’s in the tough guy business of physically assaulting women." Someone else said, "Yea tough guy Dana white who hits his wife…. Yea…… really tough man… What a moron."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.