Dana White, a longtime friend of former President Donald Trump and CEO of UFC, called the 45th president an “American strong man” after viewing a photo of Trump raising his fist in defiance after being wounded by a gunshot wound to the ear during an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday.
Trump hustled off the stage at an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, surrounded by Secret Service agents and holding his hand over his right ear, but before leaving the stage he pumped his fist in a show of strength to the stunned crowd, drawing huge cheers.
With blood dripping from his face after the apparent assassination attempt, Trump pumped his fist in the air in a defiant manner as Secret Service officers escorted him off the stage. pic.twitter.com/WcKc27NZ0S
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) July 13, 2024
White, who is set to introduce President Trump at the upcoming Republican National Convention, responded to the assassination attempt and President Trump’s defiant stance in an Instagram post.
“I’m on a plane to Italy right now and my phone is full of text messages from people letting me know @realdonaldtrump has been shot,” White said. I have written“I feel so sick and in shock. I don’t know how bad it is yet or if he’s OK. But @mickmaynard2 sent me this photo so I hope President Trump is 100% healthy.”
“This photo is a perfect reflection of the person I know Donald Trump to be – he is the toughest, most tenacious man on the planet, America’s Strongest Man. I want the wimp who shot him to get what he deserves. I can’t wait to join him on stage at the Republican National Convention on Thursday to introduce him and tell the world the character of the friend and man I know he is!!”
The would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot and killed by a Secret Service officer.
White has often praised Trump, crediting him with helping keep UFC afloat during its early struggles.
