Full Breakdown
Dana White Defends Donald Trump Against Racism Allegations on New Yorker Radio Hour
5/25/2026, 6:09:46 AM
Interview Overview
On May 22, UFC president Dana White appeared on The New Yorker Radio Hour and said President Donald Trump is not a racist, citing Trump’s friendship with Michael Jackson. White referenced videos of Trump defending Jackson and argued this undermines racism accusations. Host David Remnick challenged the claim, noting Jackson’s abuse allegations and a Truth Social post in which Trump depicted former President Barack Obama as an ape, asking whether such behavior can coexist with White’s view.
Participants
Dana White, UFC president and Trump supporter; Donald Trump, former U.S. president; David Remnick, New Yorker editor and host of the radio program.
Context
Trump’s record includes a Truth Social image portraying Barack Obama with ape-like features, widely condemned as racist, and earlier sharing of a caricature depicting the Obamas as apes. These incidents have fueled debate over his racial attitudes.
Official Statements & Responses
White said Trump’s close relationship with Michael Jackson—who was often around the former president’s children—shows a character incompatible with racism. He denied Trump is a racist or fascist, stressing Trump’s love for the United States. Remnick countered, describing Jackson as “deeply, deeply flawed” and confirming Jackson’s abusive behavior toward children, arguing that White’s personal anecdotes do not address Trump’s documented controversies.
Criticism & Opposition
Remnick highlighted the inconsistency between White’s loyalty and Trump’s racist imagery, questioning how White could dismiss the Obama illustration while praising Trump’s character, and called White’s defense insufficient to counter the pattern of alleged racist conduct.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
White claimed he never saw the Obama illustration, yet the post remains publicly accessible on Truth Social. He also said Trump defended Jackson, but no direct Trump statement confirming this appears in the interview, leaving a verification gap.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These things that he’s a racist and he’s a Nazi and he’s this and that – I mean, Donald Trump, all this stuff’s coming out now,” — Dana White, UFC President
- “But wait a minute, Dana – Michael Jackson – as talented as he was, as brilliant as he was, was a deeply, deeply flawed human being, to say the least,” — David Remnick, Editor, The New Yorker
- “If he was that type of person, I never would associate with that type of a person, no matter who he was,” — Dana White
- “I’ve never seen it. I didn’t know that. But I can tell you this: He’s not a racist. He’s not a fascist. He loves this country. And if you’re an American – race, religion, whatever it is – President Trump is on your team. That I guarantee you.” — Dana White
Why It Matters
White’s defense demonstrates how prominent allies can influence public perception of controversial leaders. The exchange underscores ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s rhetoric and the role of celebrity endorsement in shaping political narratives.
