Overview
- In a May 22 interview on The New Yorker Radio Hour, UFC chief Dana White defended President Trump by citing Trump’s past friendship with Michael Jackson and saying Jackson spent time around Trump’s family.
- Interviewer David Remnick challenged White’s example by noting public allegations that Jackson sexually abused children and by asking whether Trump’s earlier Truth Social post depicting Barack Obama as an ape changed White’s view.
- White said he had not seen the Truth Social post, reiterated that Trump is “not a racist” or “a fascist,” and argued that Trump treats Americans of all races and religions as on his team.
- Multiple outlets reported the exchange between White and Remnick from May 24–26, and no new evidence was offered about either Jackson’s past allegations or claims that Trump is racist.
- The episode highlights how celebrity relationships are being used in public disputes over race and character while raising questions about whether private associations can rebut widely reported public conduct and images.