“Donald Trump speaks to an eclectic type audience… I just think he says it wrong. Donald’s like a straight-up guy. He’s a straight-forward guy.” Back in 2016, when Shaquille O’Neal wasn’t an active voter shared his feelings about Trump’s image. At that time, the 4x NBA champion believed that POTUS statements were wrongly perceived. Maybe that’s why Shaq reached out and met the President during his return to his old stomping ground.
That’s right, the Big Aristotle made his return to the Kaseya Center, where he won the championship with the Miami Heat. The event, however, was not basketball related, but UFC 314 fight night, and President Trump was also in attendance. Trump arrived at the Kaseya Center just after 9 p.m., and naturally, promotional boss Dana White was alongside.
On the walk-in, Trump greeted several high-profile attendees, including UFC announcer and podcaster Joe Rogan and Barstool Sports President Dave Portnoy. Later, shared a moment with Shaq. Collin Rugg on X shared the video of Shaquille O’Neal embracing the President. The Co-Owner of Trending Politics, with over 1.8M followers on X, added the post. “JUST IN: President Trump shakes hands with Shaquille O’Neal at UFC 314 in Miami, Florida.”
Shaquille O’Neal, who gave the president a handshake and hug ringside. During their moment, President Trump reached out and whispered something in the 4x NBA champion’s ear. Both continued to exchange a few words and had a firm handshake. But let’s not forget that the NBA icon has not revealed his inclination and political endorsement. It was not only Trump, with whom Shaq met.
JUST IN: President Trump shakes hands with Shaquille O’Neal at UFC 314 in Miami, Florida.pic.twitter.com/ydr6M4JTkO
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 13, 2025
Robert Kennedy Jr. on X shared a photo of him and meeting O’Neal before the event. The Health and Human Services Secretary wrote, “With @TheGaryBrecka and @Shaq headed for the @UFC fight in Miami.”
This is a developing story…
The post Shaquille O’Neal & Donald Trump Spotted Together During Friendly Exchange at UFC 314 appeared first on EssentiallySports.
