Trump's Surprise Appearance at UFC... 'First Buddy' Musk Sits Beside Him

Kennedy Jr. and Trump Jr. Accompanied by Close Associates
Seemingly Responding to Strong Support from Young Male Demographic

President-elect of the United States Donald Trump made a surprise visit to the mixed martial arts UFC event venue along with Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla.

Donald Trump (center), President-elect of the United States, Elon Musk (right), CEO of Tesla, and Dana White, CEO of UFC, are watching a match together at UFC 309 held on the 16th (local time) at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA. Photo by AP Yonhap News

On the 16th (local time), AP News and others reported that Trump attended the UFC event held at Madison Square Garden in New York without prior notice. Sitting next to him was Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, who has recently been seen with him frequently and earned the nickname "First Buddy" (the president's close friend).

Trump entered the arena to the hit song "American Bad Ass" by singer Kid Rock. A video depicting Trump's journey to reclaim the White House was shown at the venue, and nearly 20,000 spectators stood up and cheered. Trump responded by raising his fist and lightly dancing.

On this day, Trump was accompanied not only by Musk but also by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and his eldest son, Trump Jr. Trump's visit to the UFC event was not disclosed in advance. Although questions about his attendance were raised at the UFC press conference the day before, UFC CEO Dana White refused to confirm.

Before taking his seat, Trump approached and hugged John Logan, a podcast host who was sitting at the UFC commentary booth. Logan, known to be popular among young men, had interviewed Trump during this election and publicly declared his support.

Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, is watching a UFC match at Madison Square Garden in New York on the 16th (local time) and talking with Elon Musk, Tesla CEO and his 'First Buddy,' who is sitting next to him. Photo by Yonhap News

Trump's visit to the UFC on this day highlights his long-standing affection for the sport as well as the fact that support from young male voters was one of the key factors in his election victory. During the campaign, Trump frequently visited UFC arenas as an important strategy to attract support from young men. Notably, he attended a UFC event in New Jersey shortly after being found guilty in June related to hush money payments for a sexual misconduct scandal.