Ivanka Trump Turns Heads at UFC 316 as Immigration Protests Rage Across LA

Ivanka Trump, the former First Daughter and senior advisor during Donald Trump’s presidency, made a high-profile appearance at UFC 316 over the weekend, standing front and center in a spectacle that mixed sports, politics, and public outrage. As her father drew roaring cheers from UFC fans at Newark’s Prudential Center, Ivanka’s presence alongside family and administration figures added a dramatic twist to an already polarizing night.

While protests boiled over in Los Angeles following a series of immigration raids, Ivanka Trump was seen entering the UFC arena with husband Jared Kushner, her brother Eric Trump, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The group joined Donald Trump—fresh off signing a Presidential Memorandum to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to LA—as part of a flashy entourage that drew both applause from fans and scorn from critics online.

Dressed in sleek black and exuding composed confidence, the businesswoman and mother of three was quickly noticed by fans and cameras alike. According to sources close to the event, her appearance was met with admiration from attendees but sparked intense backlash from political commentators who questioned the optics of leisure amid national chaos.

The protests in LA’s Paramount district were ignited after federal immigration agents detained 44 individuals in coordinated raids. The move provoked immediate outrage, leading to clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. As violence spread into a second night, critics slammed the Trump family for appearing to celebrate at a sports event rather than addressing the growing civil unrest.

Ivanka Trump, known for her diplomatic poise during her tenure in the White House, has largely maintained a low profile since leaving political office. However, her appearance at UFC 316—alongside UFC boss Dana White and commentator Joe Rogan—signaled a possible return to the political and cultural spotlight. Some observers speculated it could be a calculated move to test public sentiment ahead of a potential Trump 2024 campaign push.

Meanwhile, the UFC card provided plenty of action to distract from political tensions. Kevin Holland earned praise for his second-round submission victory over Vicente Luque, receiving a personal handshake from Donald Trump himself. In one of the night’s biggest moments, Yoo Joo-sang delivered a ferocious left hook knockout that sent shockwaves through the arena.

While Ivanka Trump refrained from making any public statements at the event, her presence—poised yet unmistakably intentional—spoke volumes. For supporters, it was a sign of resilience and visibility. For critics, it was tone-deaf opulence in the face of crisis.