Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania on Wednesday defended the UFC fights held at the White House earlier this month, pushing back against comedian Larry David's criticism that the event was "embarrassing."
When asked by TMZ's Jacob Wasserman how he would respond to David, Fetterman offered a quote from the 1981 film 'Stripes': "I'd say lighten up, Francis." The UFC Freedom 250 event took place on President Trump's birthday and drew mixed reactions from entertainers and political observers.
What the Left Is Saying
Larry David, speaking at the premiere of his HBO sketch series 'Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America,' called the White House UFC event "embarrassing to be an American." The 'Seinfeld' co-creator has been a frequent critic of Trump and the MAGA movement. In recent seasons of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' David has spoofed Trump's legal troubles, including the former president's mug shot from Fulton County, Ga. Some progressive voices echoed David's concerns, arguing that hosting UFC fights on the White House lawn sends a particular message about how the administration prioritizes entertainment over traditional diplomatic and ceremonial functions of the presidency.
What the Right Is Saying
Fetterman, who has occasionally defended elements of Trump's agenda including positions on Iran policy and the construction of a new White House ballroom, dismissed David's criticism as overly sensitive. "I'm proud to be American, and if you are embarrassed or whatever because of a UFC thing, get over yourself dude," Fetterman said before entering an elevator. He repeated the sentiment: "Like seriously, get over yourself dude." Conservative commentators have framed the event as a celebration of American culture and entertainment under the Trump administration, arguing that such events connect with voters outside traditional political circles.
What the Numbers Show
The UFC Freedom 250 event marked one of several high-profile entertainment spectacles held at the White House during Trump's current term. The event drew significant media coverage across both traditional news outlets and social platforms. Fetterman's approval ratings in Pennsylvania have shown relative stability among independent voters, according to recent polling from Morning Consult, though his positions on Trump policies have drawn scrutiny from some Democratic base voters.
The Bottom Line
The exchange between Fetterman and David highlights ongoing tensions within the Democratic coalition over how to engage with entertainment figures who may hold different views on Trump. For Fetterman, defending aspects of Trump's White House operations reflects a pragmatic approach to crossover appeal. For critics like David, such events represent what they see as a lowering of standards for presidential conduct. The dynamic illustrates how political figures increasingly navigate relationships with Hollywood in the social media age, where celebrity opinions and viral moments can shape public perception.