Politics
WATCH: Trump Makes Triumphant Entrance At UFC 316 After Crackdown On LA Riots
President Donald Trump made an unannounced appearance at UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey just hours after taking control of the California National Guard in order to crush the Los Angeles riots.
In what has become a recurring scene, the president emerged alongside UFC President Dana White just ahead of the start of the main card. Trump — who was also in attendance for the last UFC event in Newark after he was convicted in the bogus “hush money” trial in Manhattan — once again received a standing ovation ovation and roaring welcome from the New York metro area crowd.
The president was joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, his son, Eric, acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba and others.
President Trump’s UFC entrance was even more noteworthy than usual, as it came just over two hours after the executive branch announced it would be taking control of the California National Guard in order to quell violent riots in Los Angeles that have been ongoing for two days.
“If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!” the president wrote in a Truth Social post on Saturday night.
After previously vowing to resist the administration and “fight” for illegal aliens, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass finally condemned the unrest nearly well over 24 hours after it first erupted. “Reports of unrest outside the city, including in Paramount, are deeply concerning. We’ve been in direct contact with officials in Washington, D.C., and are working closely with law enforcement to find the best path forward,” the Democrat mayor wrote in an X post.
“Everyone has the right to peacefully protest, but let me be clear: violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable.”
Bass has faced intense criticism after she and Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell ordered local law enforcement not to cooperate with federal agents. LAPD did not respond for more than two hours on Friday night after federal agents were assaulted and cornered by a far-left mob outside a downtown Los Angeles federal building.
California Governor Gavin Newsom pleaded with President Trump not to take control of state national guard assets after state and local authorities failed to quell the riots.
“The federal government is moving to take over the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 soldiers. That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions,” Newsom complained. “LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice. We are in close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no unmet need.”
Rioters continue to clash with federal and local law enforcement as of 8:11 p.m. local time on Saturday evening. The most recent footage obtained by on-the-ground reporter Anthony Cabassa shows rioters lighting fires and hurling projectiles at police lines as night falls.
This is the current scene in Compton, CA.
The protestor crowd continues to grow into the night, all nearby shops are preparing for a night of mayhem, closing up early.
Police are in retreat. pic.twitter.com/5gBIBbwPS2
— Anthony (@AnthonyCabassa_) June 8, 2025
