Elon Musk attended the highly anticipated UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden in New York City, sitting alongside former President Donald Trump, who is now the president-elect. The gathering included several of Trump’s high-profile celebrity supporters alongside new cabinet nominees, creating a buzz in the arena. Among the notable attendees were prominent figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., former Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard, and Vivek Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy has been appointed by Trump to co-lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, a position that Musk will also share. In a scene that captured both public attention and media interest, Trump settled into his seat between Musk and UFC President Dana White—a reflection of the fusion between sports and political support that characterizes this event.
Scrolling on his phone
Elon Musk’s behavior during the electrifying event sparked vigorous discussion online as he was seen scrolling through his social media platform, X, and laughing at memes while the fight unfolded. This seemingly nonchalant attitude towards the match drew a subtle response from President-elect Trump, who gestured toward the ongoing fight, seemingly in an attempt to encourage Musk to engage with the action rather than the screen in front of him. His demeanor triggered a wave of commentary, with some attendees and online viewers finding amusement and relatability in Musk’s casual approach, dubbing him “just like us” for engrossing himself in his device while the main event was in full swing.
Elon sitting next to Trump tonight, scrolling 𝕏 and cracking up at memes 😂 pic.twitter.com/lD9wYbHXWo
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) November 17, 2024
A video capturing Musk’s lighthearted moment scrolling through memes went viral, drawing a mixed bag of responses from eager viewers. Many noted the moment when Trump seemed to subtly direct Musk’s attention back to the match. Overall, the incident exemplified Musk’s unconventional behavior during a crucial sporting occasion, adding to the spectacle of the environment as fans watched in shared anticipation.
Musk behaving unusually
Another clip showcasing Musk behaving differently at the event also gained traction online. In this footage, Musk sat effortlessly between Trump and rock musician Kid Rock, staring intently ahead in an almost trance-like state. Shared widely on the platform X, this particular video was humorously captioned, “Elon controlling things with his mind.” The peculiar and focused demeanor prompted a plethora of reactions, with commenters splitting between playful jokes and more critical commentary about the nature of his thoughts. The diverse responses ranged from lighthearted guesses about what might be occupying Musk’s mind to far-fetched theories contemplating his intentions during the exciting event.
The atmosphere was further electrified by the presence of other prominent Trump supporters, including influential podcaster and UFC commentator Joe Rogan, who garnered a warm reception from the president-elect owing to his recent endorsement of Trump ahead of the event.
How are modern political strategies influenced by celebrity culture, as seen at events like UFC 309?
**Interview with Media Analyst Jamie Thompson on Elon Musk’s Behavior at UFC 309**
**Editor:** Joining us today is Jamie Thompson, a media analyst who specializes in public figures and their impact on social media trends. Jamie, thanks for being here.
**Jamie:** Thanks for having me!
**Editor:** Let’s dive right in. Elon Musk’s recent appearance at UFC 309 alongside Donald Trump has drawn quite a bit of attention, especially with his behavior during the event. What do you make of Musk scrolling through his phone while the fight was happening?
**Jamie:** It’s definitely interesting! Musk has built a reputation for being a larger-than-life figure, but in that moment, he seemed rather relatable. Many people found humor in seeing a billionaire and a tech mogul engrossed in memes while sitting next to a former president. It humanizes him in a way that’s unusual for someone of his stature.
**Editor:** Can you elaborate on the public’s reaction? Why do you think they resonated with Musk’s behavior?
**Jamie:** Absolutely. In an age where many share their experiences online, Musk’s nonchalance mirrored the behavior of everyday viewers who sometimes check their phones during events. It was almost a commentary on how digital and real-life experiences blend together—especially for someone like Musk, who is actively engaged in social media. The reaction ranged from amusement to feeling a sense of kinship with someone who’s perceived as so different from the average person.
**Editor:** President-elect Trump seemed to notice Musk’s distraction and gestured toward the fight. What does this tell us about their interaction and the dynamic at play in that moment?
**Jamie:** It highlights an interesting relationship between the two. Trump likely wanted Musk to partake in the experience fully, perhaps as a way to affirm their alliance in this politically charged setting. That subtle nudge can also symbolize the divide between serious political ambitions and the casual atmosphere of a sporting event. It’s a fascinating crossroads of politics and entertainment.
**Editor:** With so many political figures present at UFC 309, including Trump’s cabinet nominees, do you think events like this are becoming a new way for politicians to connect with the public?
**Jamie:** Definitely. It’s a strategic move. By positioning themselves in such popular cultural venues, politicians can appeal to a broader audience. Events like UFC create opportunities for face-to-face interactions that can be more relatable than traditional political rallies. They blend sports, celebrity culture, and politics, which can spark engagement and discussions among different demographics.
**Editor:** what do you think this says about the future of celebrity and political intersections?
**Jamie:** We’re likely to see more of this kind of mingling. As politics becomes more influenced by social media dynamics and entertainment culture, figures like Musk and Trump embody that crossover. It can be a double-edged sword, as the scrutiny and expectations of public figures will only intensify. But for now, it seems to resonate well with audiences looking for authenticity amidst the political circus.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Jamie! It’s always enlightening to hear your perspective.
**Jamie:** Thank you! It was great discussing these fascinating intersections with you.
