Trump Attends UFC Fight In New Jersey As ICE Protests Erupt In California

NEWARK, NJ — He entered the arena to loud cheers. That was the reception President Donald Trump got at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey last weekend when he attended an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) match – just hours after deploying National Guard troops in Los Angeles.

Following a weekend of protests, violence and vandalism, the West Coast city is bracing for a likely fourth day of civil unrest in the aftermath of federal immigration raids in the area.

On Saturday, the president ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles over the objection of Democratic leaders, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

• Read More: LA Protests Turn Violent; Governor Accuses Trump Of Manufacturing The Crisis
• Read More: 27 Images Show Tense Moments As Immigration Protests Turned Destructive

Later that day – thousands of miles away across the country – Trump made his appearance at UFC 316 in Newark, walking into the Prudential Center alongside CEO Dana White to the sound of Kid Rock’s “American Bad Ass” just before the main card fights began.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump were also at the event, with the latter seated near their father.

Kevin Holland shook hands with Trump after beating Vicente Luque to win the first championship bout. The winner of the other championship match, Kayla Harrison – who Trump called a “true champion” – will be getting a special award at the White House, he reported.

The president also took the time to greet other high-profile attendees at the event, including Mike Tyson and Joe Rogan.

Trump and the White House have been sharing video footage of his appearance, including loud chants of “USA… USA” that roared from the crowd.

The president’s attendance at the fight didn’t escape the notice of some social media users, who pointed out that it was taking place amid a crisis on the other side of the country.

“Meanwhile, LA burns?” one commenter wrote.

“As 2,000 National Guard troops move in on protesters in Los Angeles, Trump struts into UFC 316 with Dana White ringside while the country burns,” another person commented.

Meanwhile, many Trump supporters cheered for his arrival at UFC and called it a powerful moment.

“That entrance says everything … Trump 47 walking out with Dana White while the crowd roars USA is the clearest sign yet that the silent majority isn’t so silent anymore,” a supporter wrote. “It’s America First energy in full force. No teleprompters, no handlers, just raw support. Biden couldn’t dream of that kind of reception in a stadium full of patriots.”

Yet other fight fans said they’d prefer less politics at sports events – period.

“Stop politicizing our sports,” someone commented in response to the White House’s post. “This is a waste of taxpayer money just to stroke his giant ego. Sports should be for all, not just the brainwashed masses.”

Trump attended a sold-out UFC event at the Prudential Center last year while he was on the campaign trail. The visit took place shortly after Trump’s conviction on 34 felony charges in New York. Read More: Trump Guilty; Landmark Verdict Gets Cheers, Jeers In New Jersey

According to the New Jersey governor’s office, the June 1, 2024 event was the highest-grossing sporting event in the history of the Prudential Center.

“We are proud to welcome the UFC and its passionate fanbase back to New Jersey and look forward to building on this legacy of success,” Gov. Phil Murphy said prior to this weekend’s fights.

• See Related: UFC Event In New Jersey Generated $26M, Got Visit From Trump

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