Over commercial breaks, aside from a few advertisements from sponsors like Bud Light, the screens at the White House showed packages focused on patriotism and the military. One was a dramatic video with a voiceover from President Trump that ended with him saying “Join. The. Fight.” A moment later “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers played while the PA announcer thanked the troops.
“Please stand to honor our armed services,” he said. “To those who wear the uniform of the United States of America, we are forever grateful for your service.”
The event marked a culmination of the friendship between White and Trump.
U.S. service members watch the fight on the White House South Lawn.Natalie Keyssar for NBC News
When White struggled to find venues for the UFC after purchasing the nearly bankrupt fight promotion for only $2 million in January 2001 — largely due to state regulations — he turned to Trump. The casino owner opened the doors for the MMA promotion at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey for its first two events under new leadership.
In return, White has been a major supporter of Trump on the political trail.
He stumped for Trump at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland and also delivered remarks in support of Trump at the 2020 and 2024 RNC conventions. White’s public sentiments helped the Republican in the polls with young men, a demographic that makes up a large percentage of UFC fans.
White insists his relationship with Trump is not political and that Sunday’s event was simply a celebration for the U.S.
“I love this country and this event was for America’s 250th birthday,” White said. “There was no other political agenda … Hopefully tonight created some unity.”
