Why Trump Wants to Celebrate His Birthday With a Cage Fight

The president has chosen blood sport as the day’s entertainment for a reason.

Why Trump Wants to Celebrate His Birthday With a Cage Fight

TL;DR

  • President Trump is hosting UFC cage fights at the White House for his 80th birthday celebration.
  • The author argues this is a political tactic to associate Trump with strength and domination through violence.
  • This pattern is traced back to Trump's 1989 ad calling for the death penalty after a Central Park assault.
  • Trump has a history of using violent remarks, violent imagery (like GIFs), and celebrating violence in his political communication.
  • The article contrasts Trump's approach to announcing the deaths of terrorists with previous presidents, noting his emphasis on humiliation.
  • The author suggests Trump's administration has celebrated violent military strikes with memes.
  • Deportation policies under Trump have also been framed with an emphasis on punishment and humiliation.
  • The UFC event is seen as a way for Trump to benefit from Americans associating his brand of strength with the violent spectacle.