UFC CEO Dana White once again gave his full political support to the former US president donald trump ahead of the 2024 elections in November.
For the third time, White spoke at the Republican National Convention in support of his friend, but on this occasion he had the privilege of being the last speaker before Trump took the stage to accept the Republican presidential nomination.
During his five-minute speech, the assertive fight promoter praised the loyal friendship he has shared with Trump for more than two decades, while also recounting how the former president invited him to be a speaker again.
“I just wish you didn’t have to interrupt your family trip, but I hope they understand. They love you and they know how important this is,” White said, reading a text message Trump sent him after accepting the invitation. “Now think about this: this man is running for president of the United States, he is fighting for the future of this country, and he is worried about interrupting my family trip. That’s the President Trump I know, a man who truly cares about people.
“The mainstream media likes to push the narrative that he doesn’t care about anyone but himself. I’m absolutely sure that’s not true because I’ve been friends with this guy for 25 years.”
White was empowered to speak out in support of Trump after a failed assassination attempt last week, when the former president was hit in the right ear as bullets were fired during a rally in Butler, Penn. Trump was treated and has been wearing a square bandage on his right ear throughout the RNC.
“I know President Trump is a fighter, I’ve been saying that since 2015,” White said. “Now look what has happened in the last 10 years, we have all seen it with our own eyes. I’m in the tough guy business, and this man is the toughest, most resilient human being I’ve ever met in my life.”
White encouraged Trump, who was convicted of 34 crimes for falsifying business records and has many other legal issues pending, such as the best choice for the next U.S. president
The UFC chief cited the 40th US president, Ronald Reagan, while vaguely touching on political issues.
“President Reagan once said, ‘The first duty of government is to protect the people, not to direct their lives,’” White said. “And if you are buried in government bureaucracy, how can you start your own business? If you’re struggling to pay your bills, how can you start a family? And if you don’t feel safe in your hometown, why would you buy a house? I know that President Trump is fighting to save the American dream and that is what is at stake in this election.”
White ended his speech with one last emphatic jab at Trump, while also making it clear that he wasn’t trying to convince people who to vote for, but simply stating his reasons for supporting his friend and WWE Hall of Famer.
“I know President Trump is a proven leader, a fearless leader, and this country was in a much better place when he was in the Oval Office,” White said. “In my opinion, the choice is clear, but in this election we all have a choice. I know I will choose strength and security. I know I will choose opportunity and prosperity. I know I will choose real American leadership and a real tough American.”
