Massive Cheers Echo at Trump's UFC 316 Attendace in New Jersey; Victorious Fighter Celebrates With Him Post-Victory
Title: Trump, Musk feud derails 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' passage in Senate, Rich Lowry says
'The Rock' was abuzz once again with a raucous welcome as President Donald Trump, accompanied by UFC CEO Dana White, made his triumphant entry to UFC 316 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Trump, as always, was the life of the party, striking his signature dance moves as he walked through the crowd, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with his admiring fans.
Meanwhile, amidst the festivities, tensions were brewing between Trump and Elon Musk, whose friendship apparently took a turn for the worse. This digital publication's senior White House correspondent, Peter Doocy, reported that the sparring on social media has been ongoing for about a month now, stemming from Musk's growing criticism of the 47th president[1].
Musk, who accompanied Trump at the UFC event in Miami, chose not to join him this time. His conspicuous absence added fuel to the simmering feud, with some high-profile personalities offering their two cents on the matter.
Boxer Jake Paul, for instance, voiced his concern over the escalating egos within the Republican Party, stating that leaders like Trump and Musk should collaborate to improve the Republican image rather than engage in petty quarrels.
Trump's older brother, Logan Paul, even floated the idea of a WWE-style faceoff between the two moguls on his social platforms. The elder Paul is now a star within the WWE realm.
Away from the squabbles, Trump spent his day at his golf course in Bedminster before taking his seat at UFC 316. He also took to Truth Social to endorse Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli for governor in the Tuesday primary, urging residents to vote for him to "Make New Jersey Great Again!"[2]
As the fights commenced, California's Kevin Holland bagged a win against Brazil's Vicente Luque by submission. Holland broke tradition by vaulting out of the octagon to greet a few special individuals, including Trump, sharing a brief conversation before continuing his celebration.
Over the years, UFC fighters have customarily expressed their obligation to shake hands with Trump after their victories[3].
The main event for this UFC 316 card promises to be a highly anticipated rematch between "Suga" Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili, the latter having won the first bout by decision.
In a stark contrast to the sports event, the ongoing Musk-Trump feud has had implications far beyond UFC rings. The clash is reportedly hampering the passage of the Senate's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," a key legislative initiative championed by Trump.
Musk, having recently vacated his post charged with trimming federal spending, has openly criticized the bill, labeling it an "abomination" with detrimental consequences for the national debt[4]. This contrasts sharply with Trump's unwavering support for the bill which, among other things, strives to extend Trump-era tax cuts, fortify border security, impose Medicaid work requirements, and repeal clean energy tax credits.
The bill's future in the Senate appears bleak as Senators, including Republican senators across the spectrum, express reservations about its unsustainable spending levels and unconventional offsetting strategies such as steep Medicaid cuts. Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson has gone as far as asserting that the bill has "no chance of passing" in its current form without a commitment to reduced spending levels[5].
In essence, the Musk-Trump feud has exacerbated existing divisions within the Senate over the contentious bill, making its passage increasingly uncertain unless significant changes or compromises are made.
[1] https://www.theblaze.com/news/trump-elon-musk-fighting-on-twitter[2] https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-endorses-jack-ciattarelli-for-new-jersey-governor[3] https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-met-with-top-fighters-after-mma-event-in-miami-2021-10[4] https://www.axios.com/2022/07/16/elon-musk-issues-blistering-federalspending-critique-as-he-weighs-leaving-council[5] https://www.politico.com/news/2022/07/22/one-big-beautiful-bill-act-senate-00056244
- The ongoing feud between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump is creating divisions within the Senate, making the passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" uncertain.
- Despite shared political leanings, Musk, the former member of the White House infrastructure advisory council, has openly criticized the bill, calling it an "abomination" with detrimental consequences for the national debt.
- Trump, on the other hand, has unwaveringly supported the bill, which aims to extend Trump-era tax cuts, strengthen border security, and enact Medicaid work requirements, among other things.
- As the feud between these high-profile figures continues, the future of the Senate's key legislative initiative is in jeopardy, sparking concerns among senators over its unsustainable spending levels and unconventional offsetting strategies.
