In a surprising and awkward moment at UFC 314, held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Miami, President Donald Trump appeared to snub actress Cheryl Hines, wife of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The incident unfolded at the Kaseya Center, where Trump was greeted with cheers from the crowd as he entered the venue.
As Trump made his way through the crowd, he warmly shook hands with Kennedy, who was seated in the front row. However, when Hines extended her hand to greet the president, Trump seemingly ignored her and walked past, leaving her hand hanging in the air. The moment was captured on live television by ESPN and quickly went viral on social media, with many viewers commenting on the awkwardness of the situation.
Hines, visibly surprised by the snub, was seen giving a slight shrug and tapping Trump on the shoulder as he passed by. She then turned to greet Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, who was also in attendance. The incident sparked a flurry of reactions online, with one user quipping, "Cheryl Hines getting blown off for a handshake by President Trump is just missing the Curb theme music," referencing Hines’ role in the popular television series.
Despite the apparent snub, Hines remained composed and later interacted with other attendees. Trump was accompanied by a notable entourage that included his granddaughter Kai, Elon Musk, and several high-profile figures such as FBI Director Kash Patel and Texas Senator Ted Cruz. The president’s entrance was further highlighted by the presence of UFC CEO Dana White, who introduced him to the crowd.
This awkward encounter is particularly intriguing given Hines' previous outspoken opposition to Trump’s candidacy. In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, Hines had made it clear that while she supported her husband’s decision to endorse Trump, she herself was not a fan of the former president. In August 2024, Kennedy acknowledged the tension in their marriage regarding his endorsement of Trump, stating, "This is the opposite of what she would want to do. She went along with it because she loves me and she wanted to be supportive of me, but it was not something that she ever encouraged."
Following the election, however, Hines was spotted at Mar-a-Lago, seemingly fitting in with Trump’s supporters, which led to speculation about her changing stance. Social media reactions to the snub ranged from humor to criticism, with some users suggesting that Hines "deserved it" for her past comments about Trump.
The UFC 314 event itself featured an exciting lineup of fights, including a highly anticipated match between Australian fighter Alexander Volkanovski and Brazil's Diego Lopes. Another key fight saw Michael Chandler, a staunch Trump supporter, face off against England's Paddy Pimblett. Despite the controversy surrounding his tariff policies and the backlash he faced earlier in the week, Trump appeared unfazed as he enjoyed the event.
Trump's attendance at UFC 314 marked yet another in a series of sporting events he has participated in since taking office, including the Super Bowl and the Daytona 500. His presence at such events has often been met with a mix of enthusiasm and criticism from various quarters, reflecting the polarized political climate in the United States.
The snub of Hines raises questions about the dynamics between Trump and those in his political circle, especially as he navigates a complex landscape of supporters and critics alike. The incident serves as a reminder of the personal relationships and political affiliations that often intersect in the public eye.
As the evening continued, Trump was seen engaging with other attendees, including UFC announcer Joe Rogan and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, further showcasing his social connections within the sports community. However, the moment with Hines will likely remain a talking point for many, illustrating the unpredictable nature of political interactions.
In the end, UFC 314 was not just another night of fights; it became a stage for political drama, highlighting the interplay of celebrity, politics, and public perception. Whether this incident will have any lasting impact on Hines or her husband’s political career remains to be seen, but it certainly added a layer of intrigue to an already eventful evening.
