The U.F.C. President, Dana White, on Donald Trump: “He’s Not a Racist”

Dana White, president of the UFC, defends Donald Trump as a 'non-racist' and 'loyal friend' in a candid interview with David Remnick, revealing a decades-long personal bond that transcends politics. White recounts how Trump first supported UFC by hosting events at the Taj Mahal in 2001, calling him a 'fighter' and 'resilient human being'—a man whose public persona, while polarizing, White insists is transparent and authentic. The conversation pivots to the upcoming UFC fight on the White House lawn for America’s 250th anniversary, a high-security, high-stakes event that White describes as both surreal and historic. He also reflects on the power of media influence, recounting how he helped broker Trump’s pivotal podcast appearances with Joe Rogan and the Nelk Boys, which dramatically expanded his reach. Despite Rogan’s later criticism of Trump, White remains unwavering in his loyalty, emphasizing that personal friendship outweighs political disagreement. He dismisses concerns about Trump’s health and popularity, insisting he’s in better shape than ever and that his legacy will be judged on accomplishments, not rhetoric. White also discusses the UFC’s massive $7.7 billion deal with Paramount, the rise of betting integrity measures, and his new boxing venture, Zufa, all while maintaining that the core of his success lies in human instinct—'fighting's in our DNA.'