Former President Donald Trump made a public appearance at a UFC event at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on June 1, 2024, amidst significant legal turmoil. The crowd of 17,000 fans greeted Trump with a standing ovation, during which chants targeting President Joe Biden were heard.
Trump's attendance marked his first public outing since being convicted on 34 felony counts for falsifying business records linked to a hush-money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The felony charges each carry potential prison sentences of up to four years, though he is scheduled for sentencing on July 11, and incarceration is perceived as unlikely.
At the event, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was seen lowering his cap, seemingly to distance himself as Trump interacted with fans and launched his TikTok account. Despite his previous attempts to ban TikTok during his presidency, Trump’s campaign cited the need to engage younger voters. His inaugural TikTok post featured UFC CEO Dana White and included scenes of Trump engaging with fans.
This public appearance and social media strategy highlight Trump's continuing influence and his efforts to maintain public support amidst his legal challenges.