Josh Hokit, a UFC heavyweight fighter, shouted "Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?" during his post-fight interview at the UFC Freedom 250 event held on the White House South Lawn on June 14, 2026, the day of President Donald Trump's 80th birthday [1, 2, 3]. Hokit had just won the main event fight against Derrick Lewis by second-round TKO [2, 3].

The UFC Freedom 250 featured multiple celebrity guests and fighters but was described as having a less energetic atmosphere than usual [1, 2, 3]. Following Hokit's remark, President Trump briefly smirked or half-smiled but did not publicly comment or condemn the statement at the time [1].

UFC President Dana White condemned Hokit's comment in a text message, calling it "nasty and false" while maintaining his general support for fighter free speech. White said: "I understand that the Obama's are public figures but I'm completely against saying nasty and false things about people's families. Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense" [3].

The comment sparked widespread criticism from political figures and commentators who labeled it sexist, racist, and transphobic [1]. Media personality Sunny Hostin said, "There is this intersectionality between racism and sexism that was on full display at the White House. The crowd laughed at the statement and the president of the United States smirked and never addressed what was said. That is beneath the dignity of the office of the president of the United States, and it’s beneath the dignity of the American people" [1].

Trump supporter Dave Portnoy called for the president to condemn the remark, stating, "There was one moment I do think Trump has to denounce, and anybody associated with it has to denounce. And that’s that crazy fighter guy … he made a derogatory comment about Michelle Obama" [1].

Hokit responded on Instagram, saying he is "not interested in being liked or a role model, only in succeeding" [3].

The controversy has continued to unfold since the event. UFC President Dana White publicly condemned Hokit's remark on June 15, 2026, and public backlash has grown with calls for President Trump to denounce the fighter's comments and those supporting them [3, 1].