President Trump was greeted by an adoring crowd at the Prudential Center on Saturday as he walked into the arena to watch UFC 316 - in a spectacle that was sure to leave Democrats, and former ally Elon Musk, fuming with envy.
The crowd roared with chants of "USA!" as Trump - joined by longtime backer and UFC CEO Dana White - made an epic entrance to "American Badass" by Kid Rock.
As he made his way to his ringside seat, Trump showed love to the crowd, shaking hands with ordinary spectators - as well as famous names like boxing great Mike Tyson.
Trump appears at UFC events regularly, and he never fails to get an enthusiastic response from fans and fighters alike.
The Donald was joined Saturday by family and members of his administration, including Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and interim U.S Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba. Trump shared a fist-bump with Rubio, who is seen as one of the most favored members of Trump's administration.
Trump also joined Kayla Harrison in celebrating her UFC title, with Harrison letting Trump wear the gold belt in a lighthearted moment.
President Trump rocks UFC gold belt from champ Kayla Harrison. pic.twitter.com/sGqnP2GVbB
— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) June 8, 2025
Notably absent from Trump's entourage was Elon Musk, who spent the previous week flaming Trump on social media, including with baseless accusations tying Trump to Jeffrey Epstein.
Musk attended Trump's previous UFC event in April, when their "bromance" was still going strong.
In an interview Saturday, Trump said he believes his relationship with Musk is over as he warned his former benefactor of "very serious consequences" for supporting Democrats.
Despite the bruising feud, Trump did not appear to have a care in the world as he entered the arena in Newark to a sincere display of affection.
Democrats are at wits' end as they struggle to mount an effective response to Trump, who pulled off a comeback for the ages in November that left critics wailing in despair once again.
Trump's Democratic opponents have turned to lame stunts like selling tacos outside of the Republican headquarters - as Democrats burn $20 million on an absurd effort to study male voters.
The scene in Newark on Saturday was another reminder of Trump's unique ability to captivate a crowd, a talent that has powered his historic career in politics from the beginning.
Charisma cannot be copied or bought, as Musk could soon discover if he continues to challenge the president.
