Shaq Turns MAGA – Seen Hanging Out w/ Trump At UFC Event!
2 days ago
3 min read
Shaq Daps Up Donald Trump at UFC 314, and the Internet Has Questions
Shaquille O’Neal may be known for dominating the paint and cracking jokes on TNT, but this weekend, the NBA legend made headlines for something a little more… political.
During UFC 314 in Miami, Shaq was seen having a friendly exchange with former President Donald Trump, and the internet is spiraling. The brief moment — a handshake, a hug, and a little whisper session between the two — was caught on camera and quickly made the rounds on social media.
And the reaction? Let’s just say it’s a mix of curiosity, side-eyes, and full-blown conspiracy theories.
“Not Shaq going MAGA at UFC,” one user tweeted. Another joked, “Shaq about to be VP on the Trump ticket 2024. Shaqrublican Party incoming.”
Trump attended the event at the Kaseya Center alongside his usual crew: Elon Musk, RFK Jr., UFC prez Dana White, and political ally Kash Patel. Midway through the event, the former president walked through the crowd to roaring cheers, where he embraced Shaq like an old friend.
But here’s the twist — fans were quick to remember that Shaq hasn’t always been Team Trump.
After Trump dragged Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance in 2023 — calling it the “worst Halftime Show in Super Bowl history” — Shaq came to her defense in a big way. On his podcast, he told Trump and other critics (including rapper Kodak Black) to pipe down:
“All you people disrespecting Rihanna, shut your face. She did a wonderful job. She’s pregnant. She blessed it. She didn’t fall. Just leave it there.”
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 03: Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump holds a round table discussion with Black business owners before his rally at the Georgia State University Convocation Center on August 03, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. Polls currently show a close race between Trump and Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
And then he added a little extra spice:
“If she was my woman and I seen one of you superstars do that, I’m gonna have to get at you… Rappers. Presidential candidates. I’m gonna have to get at you. Leave her alone.”
So now fans are asking: What changed?
Well, maybe nothing. Shaq has always played it cool when it comes to politics. Back in 2016, when asked about Trump, he gave a diplomatic answer:
“Donald Trump speaks to an eclectic type of audience… I just think he says it wrong. Donald’s like a straight-up guy. He’s a straightforward guy.”
That might explain the hug — more friendly recognition than political alignment.
Still, in today’s climate, even a handshake can cause a digital meltdown. And while Shaq hasn’t made any public statements post-UFC 314, the whispers online are loud.
Some fans see it as just two high-profile personalities sharing a moment at a high-profile event. Others are worried it signals a shift or softening from Shaq on a divisive figure.
As for now, it seems the Big Aristotle is keeping things vague — and letting the memes fly.
Danny Oshoks is an entertainment guru who thrives on providing the latest updates from the world of music, movies, and celebrity gossip. His lively writing style keeps readers informed and entertained.
