UFC president Dana White has defended former President Donald Trump against accusations of racism during a recent interview, arguing that Trump’s past personal relationships demonstrate his character. The remarks, made during an appearance on The New Yorker Radio Hour, drew attention after White acknowledged he was unaware of a widely criticized social media post involving former President Barack Obama.
Interview
White, 56, spoke with The New Yorker editor David Remnick in an interview that aired on May 22. During the discussion, White addressed ongoing criticism of Trump, including repeated accusations that the former president has engaged in racist behavior.
White argued that Trump cannot be racist because of his past friendship with Michael Jackson. He cited Trump’s public defense of the pop star when allegations of sexual abuse surfaced and said their relationship demonstrated Trump’s openness toward people of different backgrounds.
According to White, Trump’s actions during that period showed loyalty and fairness, qualities he believes contradict claims of racism. White described Trump as someone who supports people he believes are being treated unfairly.
Pushback
Remnick challenged White’s reasoning, noting that Jackson was accused of serious crimes and questioning whether defending Jackson meaningfully addressed concerns about racism. Remnick pressed White on whether a single friendship could outweigh a broader record of controversial statements and actions.
White acknowledged that Jackson was a complicated figure but questioned the validity of the allegations against him. He did not directly engage with Remnick’s broader point about whether the comparison was relevant to evaluating Trump’s conduct.
Obama Post
The exchange shifted when Remnick raised Trump’s decision to share a post on his Truth Social account that depicted former President Barack Obama as an ape. The post drew widespread criticism and was reported on by multiple news outlets.
White responded by saying he had not seen the post and was unaware of it. His response appeared to surprise Remnick, given White’s long-standing personal and professional relationship with Trump.
Despite acknowledging he had no knowledge of the post, White continued to defend Trump, stating that he believes Trump is not racist and that he “loves this country.” White added that he considers Trump to be supportive of all Americans regardless of race or religion.
Response
White did not directly address how the Obama post aligns with his defense of Trump’s character. He did not comment on why Trump shared the post or whether it was appropriate. The topic was not revisited in detail during the interview.
When asked to respond to specific examples of Trump’s behavior that critics view as racist, White largely relied on personal testimony and loyalty rather than addressing individual incidents. His responses focused on his own experiences with Trump rather than documented public actions.
Context
White has been one of Trump’s most visible supporters in the sports and entertainment world. He has appeared at Trump-related events and has spoken positively about Trump’s leadership and policies in past interviews.
The interview took place amid renewed scrutiny of Trump’s social media activity and public statements. Trump has recently criticized media coverage of his record, including foreign policy matters, arguing that news outlets are biased against him.
Reaction
The conversation highlighted a clear contrast between Remnick’s approach and White’s responses. Remnick focused on specific examples and public record, while White emphasized personal belief and loyalty.
For many listeners, the interview raised questions about how public figures evaluate accusations against political leaders they support. White’s argument that a past friendship disproves claims of racism was met with skepticism by some commentators following the broadcast.
The interview did not provide definitive answers regarding Trump’s actions on social media or how supporters reconcile those actions with broader claims about his character.
FAQs
Who made the comments defending Trump?
UFC president Dana White defended Donald Trump in the interview.
Where did the interview air?
The interview aired on The New Yorker Radio Hour.
What argument did White use?
He cited Trump’s friendship with Michael Jackson.
What post was White unaware of?
A Trump post depicting Barack Obama as an ape.
Did White address the post directly?
No, he said he had not seen it and moved on.
