OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Dana White, president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), is no stranger to intense situations. A man whose career revolves around brutal physical confrontations, White knows the mindset of fighters who’ve pushed through unimaginable odds. But when it came to Donald Trump—a longtime friend of White’s—the UFC president found himself speechless after a powerful moment following Trump’s assassination attempt in July.
The incident occurred during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump came dangerously close to being shot. White, who was flying to Italy when the news broke, later spoke to the then-presidential candidate. What followed in that conversation left White astonished, and it’s a powerful glimpse into the mind of a man who has become synonymous with defiance and unyielding resolve.
In an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, which aired on the “Uncensored” YouTube program, White recounted urging Trump to consider stepping down from the race after the horrifying near-miss. His advice came from a place of concern. He told Trump that perhaps it was time to bow out of the race after such a traumatic event. But Trump’s response stunned White, and it has since become emblematic of the man’s larger-than-life persona.
According to White, Trump’s words were blunt, unwavering, and quintessentially Trump: “I can’t quit. You don’t ever quit. You never quit.” Those 10 words were enough to silence White—a man who’s seen fighters endure incredible hardships but never expected such resilience from a political figure in the face of literal death.
For Trump supporters, these words carry immense weight. They speak to a belief that the former president is driven by a higher power. White shared that Trump’s faith plays a critical role in his outlook on life. Trump himself has said he believes that God spared his life that day to fulfill a greater purpose—one that might very well include a return to the White House.
“I think God must have had a plan for me. He wanted me to survive that bullet,” Trump told White. And for Trump, it wasn’t just about surviving. It was about persevering and pushing forward, regardless of the incredible odds stacked against him.
White—who admits that he isn’t particularly religious—remarked on the incredible nature of Trump’s survival, commenting that even he could not argue against the possibility of divine intervention. He recalled discussing the situation with Joe Rogan, a popular Trump supporter, both of them in awe of the way Trump handled the near-death experience. “It’s pretty crazy. It gives me goosebumps,” White admitted, reflecting on the profound impact the event had on him.
But Trump’s reaction went beyond his faith; it spoke to his character. White described Trump’s response to the assassination attempt as the epitome of masculinity, a moment of indomitable will that resonated with many men across the nation. “Every man hopes that’s the way you would react,” White said. “If you reacted this much of how Trump reacted to that thing, you’d be happy.”
This moment, captured on stage after the assassination attempt, showcased a defiance that is hard to ignore. Trump stood tall, raised his fist in the air, and urged his supporters to “fight, fight, fight,” sending a powerful message to his adversaries and the American people alike. It wasn’t just a political statement; it was a declaration of his unshakable determination.
White didn’t hold back when comparing Trump’s reaction to the current state of American leadership, particularly under President Joe Biden. He argued that Trump’s unwavering stance in the face of danger made him the type of leader America needs. “You want to talk about who you want to be the president of a country? Is the way that Trump reacted to that assassination attempt,” White said.
It’s a sentiment that resonated with millions of Americans. In November, tens of millions agreed, casting their votes for the man who, despite facing relentless attacks, prosecutions, and even an assassination attempt, refused to quit. For many, Trump’s refusal to bow out in the face of such adversity cemented his place as a resilient and determined leader—a man who will stop at nothing to continue his fight.
In the aftermath of the Butler shooting, White’s interview with Morgan reveals not only Trump’s physical and mental toughness but also the deep faith that drives him. It’s a line that, in its simplicity and strength, speaks volumes about Trump’s unwavering commitment to his mission—no matter the obstacles in his way. And for many, that’s the kind of leader they want to see in the White House once again.