Trump’s White House UFC fight resulted in transvestigating Michelle Obama
Josh Hokit uses his UFC Freedom 250 winning speechh to transvestigate Michelle Obama. (Jeff Bottari/Arturo Holmes/Getty)
At Donald Trump’s White House UFC Freedom 250 event, a fighter declared: “Michelle Obama is a man.”
On Sunday (14 June), Josh Hokit won his fight against heavyweight Derrick Lewis on the White House South Lawn.
After the match, he spoke to controversial podcaster Joe Rogan. Towards the end of the conversation, Hokit said: “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?”
Obama has repeatedly been the target of right-wing hate and this is far from the first time that trans conspiracy theories have circulated.
As far back as 2014, she was falsely labelled a trans woman. This is seemingly an attempt by transphobic bigots to imply that being trans is something to be ashamed of.
Joan Rivers refused to apologise to her after she said “Michelle is a t*****” and that the first lady is “a transgender, we all know.”
She also claimed: “I think it’s a compliment. She’s so attractive, tall, with a beautiful body, great face, does great makeup. Take a look and go back to La Cage Au Follies [sic]. The most gorgeous women are transgender.”
In 2020, these fake allegations were once again reignited when far-right conspiracy theorist and Infowars host Alex Jones claimed he had “evidence” of her being trans. Also, he pointed to her “very wide shoulders” and her “very masculine” face as significant “proof” of his theory.
The same year, failed Republican congressional hopeful DeAnna Lorraine claimed that Michelle Obama was going to come out as trans.
‘Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?’
Donald Trump Jr, the eldest son of Trump, has spread rumours about her online. On 2024’s Transgender Day of Visibility (31 March), Trump Jr shared a now-deleted Instagram post that claimed Obama is trans.
Hokit’s statement adds to this targeting of Obama. The crowd had a mixed reaction; some cheered and laughed while others appeared shocked.
Rogan did not address the comments, saying only: “Ladies and gentlemen, Josh Hokit.”
Furthermore, the UFC event disrupted the usual White House proceedings as the South Lawn has been a space for state dinners and diplomatic ceremonies. On Sunday, it hosted cage fights.
The event was set up for 5,000 expected guests. A huge octagonal stage dubbed ‘the Claw’ was built for the night.
Timed with Trump’s 80th birthday and the forthcoming 250th anniversary of US independence, the UFC event was the first professional sporting event in White House history.
Adam Sandler, Jared Leto and Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson are said to be among the Hollywood names turning down invites to the show. Sandler, Leto and Johnson were reportedly invited alongside Tom Brady, Guy Ritchie and Mario Lopez.
A last-minute lawsuit by the Public Integrity Project sought to stop the event, alleging that it violates National Park Service regulations and lacks congressional consent and environmental review.
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