At UFC 309, an intriguing exchange between President-elect Donald Trump and podcaster Joe Rogan caught everyone's attention, interpreted by a professional lip reader.
According to Daily Mail, the event potentially signified a growing camaraderie since Trump's pivotal appearance on Rogan's podcast.
During the widely-watched MMA event held at Madison Square Garden, Trump, fresh from his election victory, made his first public appearance in the iconic venue. The interaction with Joe Rogan stood out, as the two figures recently experienced a boost in mutual public engagements.
As Trump approached the broadcast area, lip-reading expert Jeremy Freeman first observed him acknowledging Rogan with a distinct gesture and the phrase “There he is.” This greeting highlighted the recognition and anticipation before their verbal interaction. Following this, President Trump shook hands with UFC commentator Jon Anik before embracing Rogan in a friendly hug.
The camera angles initially obscured the conversation between Trump and Rogan; however, Freeman managed to decipher parts of their discussion. According to Freeman, following the hug, Rogan expressed agreement and reassurance, saying, “Sure, absolutely, absolutely fine, very happy too.”
Trump’s interaction didn’t end with Rogan. He also conversed with Daniel Cormier, another popular UFC commentator and former MMA fighter, during which he expressed admiration for Rogan by asking, “Isn’t Joe great?” Cormier agreed, and Rogan thanked him, further underscoring the mutual respect present in their conversation.
A variety of prominent attendees, including influential figures such as Elon Musk and Dana White, observed this series of exchanges. Notably, Musk had previously influenced Rogan’s endorsement of Trump after their podcast episode. The presence of such figures highlighted the notable convergence of influential personalities in the realms of sports, technology, and politics.
The public responded enthusiastically to Trump during the event; attendees showed their approval as Trump performed a light-hearted rendition of the YMCA dance, accompanied by a tribute video. This marked a stark contrast to the largely political gatherings he usually attends, offering a more relaxed and personal glimpse of the President-elect.
Trump and his entourage, including his sons Donald Jr. and Eric, as well as political allies like Mike Johnson, Vivek Ramaswamy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard, highlighted the event's significance beyond just a sports occasion. It showcased an intermingling of celebrity, sports, and political personas in a public yet intimate setting.
Jeremy Freeman’s involvement as a lip-reading expert added an additional layer of intrigue to the event, allowing the public to glimpse the private exchanges between Trump and Rogan that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. Freeman’s expertise revealed the depth of the interactions, providing context to the outward displays of camaraderie.
The recent podcast in which Rogan hosted Trump before the elections played a crucial role in enhancing Trump’s exposure to diverse voter demographics. This event at UFC 309 hence served as a subtle reinforcement of the relationship cultivated through earlier media encounters. The endorsement by Rogan, nudged by Musk's encouragement, was a pivotal moment in Trump's political campaign, reflecting a strategic blend of media influence and political endeavor.
Rogan's appreciation for Trump's support during their UFC interaction was palpably reciprocated with Trump's public acknowledgment of Rogan’s positive influence in his orbit. Freeman’s last auditory capture of their conversation, "Thank you... I won’t forget it, thank you," echoed a sentiment of mutual respect and gratitude that has marked their recent public persona.
