The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) reportedly aired a political advertisement featuring former President Donald Trump on Saturday, which promised American voters $5,000 if Republicans maintain control of Congress. The broadcast allegedly proceeded despite a judge's order prohibiting the ad's airing.
The advertisement, which analysts have identified as a promotion for a "Trump Dividend," appeared during the UFC's Fight Night event in Las Vegas and was broadcast on Paramount+. The ad depicted Trump making the promise of a financial handout, which would still require appropriation by Congress in the event of a Republican victory in both the House and the Senate.
The decision to air the ad drew immediate attention on social media, with viewers expressing skepticism and disappointment. One user on X questioned the credibility of the promise, asking, "Does anyone believe this?" Another viewer stated they turned off the broadcast after seeing the advertisement, and a third expressed a desire to stop watching the UFC after three decades due to the ad's content.
According to reporting by Drew Lerner, the airing occurred just one day after a judge had ruled against the advertisement's promotion. The administration, however, has maintained that the ads are public service announcements rather than campaign advertisements.
The UFC has maintained a close relationship with Trump in recent years. The organization notably hosted an event on the White House lawn for Trump's 80th birthday earlier this year. The recent airing of the advertisement during a sporting event highlights the intersection of sports broadcasting and political messaging in the lead-up to the midterm elections.
In related political activities, Trump recently floated the idea of renaming the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as the "Trump Reflecting Pool" during a campaign event. Speaking to a small group of supporters, Trump joked about the potential rebranding, adding that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum would "have a lot of fun" with the announcement. He also discussed his administration's renovation projects at the memorial, emphasizing the scale of the pool.