Hunter Biden sat down with Gavin Newsom for a conversation covering politics, family, and his personal journey. During the discussion, he also had some pointed words for the UFC and its involvement in a White House event.
When Newsom brought up what he described as the Trump administration’s pattern of financial dealings and political spectacle, Biden responded bluntly.
“They ruin it all,” he said.
He then turned his attention specifically to the UFC.
“You know what? I like the UFC,” Biden said. “I mean, I like watching it. They ruin it.”
Biden elaborated on why the situation bothered him, arguing that politics has increasingly forced people to pick sides in places where it doesn’t belong.
“They ruin it,” he continued. “It makes it hard now. Do you know what I mean? It literally does because everybody’s got to choose a side.”
He then criticized the decision to hold a UFC event on the White House South Lawn during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
“They have to put it on the godd*mn south lawn and in the midst of the 250th anniversary,” Biden said. “I mean, I can’t understand why Dana White.”
While expressing frustration, Biden stressed that he had no personal issue with UFC CEO Dana White.
“I don’t have anything against Dana White,” he said. “But what the f**k, man? Like, it’s your brand. Like, how are you doing this? How is this appropriate? ”
The remarks came as part of a broader criticism of what Biden described as the commercialization and politicization of institutions and brands. He linked the UFC event to a wider discussion about meme coins, cryptocurrency ventures, and other projects he believes have been diminished by political association.
“They sully everything,” Biden said. “They tarnish everything.”
For Biden, the issue was also personal because of his connection to the White House during his father’s presidency. Reflecting on the significance of the South Lawn, he spoke about the history attached to the location.
“You know what that’s where the helicopter took off with Lyndon Johnson when he left,” Biden said. “There’s the tree that Teddy Roosevelt planted.”
He then criticized what he viewed as the transformation of a historic space into a political spectacle.
“And he’s put in a cage and he’s putting on a show,” Biden said. “Bread and circus. Bread and circus. And by the way, that’s all it is to him.”
Despite his criticism, Biden made it clear that his comments were not directed at mixed martial arts as a sport. Instead, he took issue with the decision to stage the event at the White House and what he viewed as the UFC’s participation in it.
“I don’t have anything against Dana White,” he repeated.
