UFC
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Promotion Company
Reason: Boosts Trump through loyalty, visibility, and platform
The UFC has become one of Donald Trump’s most powerful cultural platforms, thanks to the unwavering loyalty of its CEO, Dana White. Trump and White have been publicly aligned for decades, with UFC events featuring Trump in high-profile appearances, Republican National Convention introductions, political messaging, and even plans for a fight on the White House lawn. Through its massive audience — especially young men — the UFC has evolved into a major political amplifier for Trump’s agenda, blending sports entertainment with partisan influence.
Evidence & Context
UFC’s Deep Political Alignment with Donald Trump
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), now part of TKO Group Holdings, has a long, visible, and politically significant relationship with Donald Trump — largely through UFC CEO Dana White.
Dana White’s friendship with Trump goes back to the early days when Trump hosted UFC events in his Atlantic City casinos. This history is documented in reporting such as The Express' coverage of White and Trump’s early partnership .
White has elevated Trump on major stages — including introducing him at the Republican National Convention and repeatedly endorsing him during elections. Trump, in turn, makes high-profile appearances at UFC events.
Trump’s presence at UFC fight nights has become a political spectacle of its own. AP News documented Trump’s high-visibility appearances at UFC events , often treated as ovations and campaign moments.
White House Fight Event (Planned)
In August 2025, White confirmed plans to host a UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4, 2026, coordinated with the Trump administration for the U.S. semiquincentennial celebration. This unprecedented political-sports crossover was reported by People Magazine .
Media Influence and Political Power
White leverages UFC’s media ecosystem — its fan base, podcasts, and influencers — to amplify Trump’s reach. The Independent notes how White helped connect Trump to MMA and YouTube culture , now a crucial political persuasion space.
Political Donations
OpenSecrets records show a pattern of Republican and pro-Trump giving by Dana White , including $10,000 donations to multiple GOP state committees and the RNC.
In January 2025, White was appointed to the Board of Directors of Meta Platforms — an appointment widely interpreted as reflecting political proximity — reported by The Washington Post.
Parent company: TKO Group Holdings
How TKO Connects UFC, WWE, and Trump
TKO Group Holdings is the parent company formed from the merger of WWE and UFC under Endeavor. Because both brands have long-standing, well-documented relationships with Donald Trump, TKO now represents a combined corporate entity with some of the deepest entertainment-industry ties to Trump’s political world.
WWE brings decades of personal and political connections — from WrestleMania events hosted in Trump-owned venues to Trump’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, to Linda McMahon’s service in Trump’s presidential administrations.
UFC contributes Dana White’s highly public friendship with Trump, his RNC speeches, Trump’s appearances at UFC events, and a media ecosystem that boosts Trump’s reach to younger voters. Plans for a UFC fight on the White House lawn (July 4, 2026) further highlight how closely TKO’s leadership is aligned with Trump’s political project.
Together under TKO, both WWE and UFC amplify Trump’s visibility, political brand, and cultural influence — making TKO Group Holdings a consolidated entertainment powerhouse with a uniquely direct relationship to the Trump political orbit.