The history of the POTUS and of sports is a detailed junction with many colorful names. The big leagues had a strong advocate, Franklin D Roosevelt. The NBA had a friend in Barack Obama, as did combat sports in Donald Trump. Trump and his ardent support of Dana White is quite the infamous tale.
By 2001, a month after the Fertitta brothers installed White as president, UFC needed high-value spots to put on events. Trump was among the few high-profile contacts backing Dana White’s dreams. Moreover, White even represented Trump as a speaker at the Republican National Convention (RNC). Their association has transcended beyond political beliefs. However, there are a few misconceptions about White’s alignments.
He asked me to speak at the Republican convention…and I’m not a political guy. Everybody thinks I’m like some fu*king crazy Republican or something…I’m not. I’m about common sense…if you ask me how I lean, when I was younger, I was more of a Democrat. As I got older, I probably swing more Libertarian.
Dana White via “In Search of Excellence” Podcast Episode 112
This isn’t unlike his sitdown on The Pat McAfee Show, where he promoted standing up for common sense and middle ground rather than any particular affiliation. It was also during this time White had to pitch in for Sean Strickland’s anti-LGBTQ tirade.
In some hot water due to backlash over comments made by NFL star Aaron Rodgers, White noted how mainstream media and politicians always come under fire. As such, he prefers neutrality with a vision of common sense.
No matter which way he sways, Dana Whtie and the Republican Nominee have maintained an avid association for years. Donald Trump has attended multiple numbered cards and received cheers of immense proportions. Overall, their association remains one for the history books for the UFC.
The Trump Store has “dream come true” being introduced to Donald Trump after a shop visit by Dana White
Friendship is a two-way street; Dana White and Donald Trump are living proof of that. Trump has contributed to the upkeep and upliftment of the premier combat sports promotion on multiple occasions.
White would actively remove himself from daily politics. However, he wouldn’t just blatantly enjoy the perks of association. The UFC CEO would expand upon their friendship to the point where Donald Trump made periodic appearances on the biggest fight cards and indulged in enlisting occasional help.
Alongside, the ex-POTUS also had his staple of favorable combatants. Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, Justin Gaethje, and even Dricus Du Plessis remain some of those names. Once, Dana White visited the Trump Store – the retail website of The Trump Organization. Keyan Wilson, the owner of The Trump Store in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, recalled a moment when Dana White entered the store.
I looked right at Oliver and I said, ‘is that Dana White?’ He said, ‘it sure is, but he’s on the phone with Trump.’ So, of course, I was so excited…It was absolutely unreal for me. A dream come true for my family to just know that Trump knows exactly who we are and where we are and what we’re doing for him…
Keyan Wilson to Fox News “The Bottom Line” Co-hosts Sean Duffy and Dagen McDowell