Donald Trump made a high-profile entrance at Miami’s Kaseya Center on Saturday, April 12, 2025, receiving enthusiastic cheers and a sea of “Make America Great Again” banners as he arrived to watch UFC 314. The event was marked by a notable incident involving Cheryl Hines, the wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which quickly gained traction on social media.
As Trump navigated through the excited crowd, he greeted Kennedy with a warm handshake, but seemingly bypassed Hines completely. Video footage captured the moment, showing Hines extending her hand toward Trump, only to be met with indifference as he brushed past her to greet UFC host Joe Rogan and other supporters. This apparent snub left Hines visibly puzzled, and she later gave a light pat on Trump’s shoulder as he walked by.
Social media users reacted swiftly to the incident, with one spectator commenting, "Why? That was f'ing rude, @realDonaldTrump," while another added, "What an ---hole. He's supposed to be representing ALL AMERICANS the ----ing wet snowflake." The moment sparked mixed reactions, with some finding humor in it, while others criticized Trump for his behavior.
Hines, a lifelong Democrat, has publicly expressed her discomfort regarding her husband’s support for Trump. In an August 2024 appearance on TMZ Live, Kennedy acknowledged the tension this caused in their relationship, stating, "She is a lifelong Democrat, and the idea of me supporting Donald Trump was, like I said - it was something she would have never imagined, something that she never wanted in her life." He added, "I think it causes her a lot of discomfort, and I'm very grateful to her for giving me support, but she was not somebody who was clamoring for this move. I would say the opposite is true."
Despite this discomfort, Hines has been seen accompanying her husband at various White House events and ceremonies, suggesting she has put her initial reservations aside. In November 2024, after the presidential election, she was spotted at Mar-a-Lago, reportedly fitting in well with Trump’s supporters, a stark contrast to her earlier criticisms of the former president.
Trump’s arrival at the UFC event was certainly a spectacle. He was accompanied by Elon Musk and Musk’s young son, X, with UFC President Dana White following close behind. The crowd’s excitement was palpable as Trump made his way to his seat, stopping briefly to greet Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy.
The UFC 314 event featured several high-profile matches, including Bryce Mitchell being defeated by Jean Silva, and Michael Chandler taking on Paddy Pimblett. The main event saw Alexander Volkanovski face off against Diego Lopez. Throughout the event, Trump’s presence was a focal point, overshadowing the fights themselves.
As the evening progressed, images circulated online showing Trump later holding Hines’ hand while speaking to her and Kennedy. This gesture seemed to mitigate the earlier snub, suggesting that the two parties were able to move past the awkward moment.
However, the incident did highlight the complex dynamics within the Kennedy household, particularly regarding political affiliations. Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump during his independent presidential campaign has been a point of contention, especially given Hines’ strong Democratic roots. In a political landscape where allegiances can shift dramatically, the couple’s relationship serves as a microcosm of broader societal divisions.
In the aftermath of the UFC event, the focus on Hines and Trump’s interaction has drawn attention not only to their personal dynamics but also to the ongoing political discourse in the United States. As Trump continues to engage with various public figures, including those with opposing political views, the reactions from both supporters and detractors remain a critical part of the narrative.
The incident at UFC 314 is a reminder of how intertwined celebrity culture and politics have become, especially in the age of social media, where moments like these can be dissected and discussed in real-time. It raises questions about the nature of political endorsements and personal relationships in a polarized environment.
As the political landscape evolves, the interactions between figures like Trump, Kennedy, and Hines will likely continue to be scrutinized. Whether this incident will have lasting implications for their relationships or the political arena remains to be seen, but it certainly adds another layer to the complex tapestry of American politics.
