In brief
Trump was warmly welcomed at Madison Square Garden, where he mingled with high-profile supporters and celebrated his election win.
Donald Trump made a high-profile appearance at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in New York, celebrating his recent election victory amidst a gathering of supporters, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and several cabinet nominees. The former president received an enthusiastic reception as he entered Madison Square Garden, surrounded by loud music and cheers from the UFC 309 crowd.Seated between UFC President Dana White and Musk, Trump enjoyed the atmosphere while mingling with fellow attendees, which included key cabinet picks Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard. Vivek Ramaswamy, appointed to lead the newly announced “Department of Government Efficiency” alongside Musk, was also present. Trump greeted UFC announcer and podcaster Joe Rogan, an influential supporter, who notably endorsed Trump after a guest appearance on Rogan's show prior to the elections.As Trump made his way to the octagon, fans chanted "USA," and he soaked in the applause, dancing as highlights of his election victory against Kamala Harris played on the big screen. UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who defended his title that night, took a moment to thank Trump, eliciting a roar of approval from the audience.Known for being a dedicated UFC supporter, Trump has attended many events in the past, often receiving cheers from fans, although he did face some criticism during a 2019 event. White, a prominent supporter of Trump, had previously advocated for the former president during the Republican National Convention, praising Trump’s resilience and toughness in the face of challenges.
