Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Dana White, UFC, Donald Trump
Nasir Jabbar
Donald Trump's appearance at UFC 316 is set to cost US taxpayers a staggering amount, according to federal records.
Trump took up a spot Octagon-side for UFC 316 last weekend in Newark, New Jersey, after making his customary walk to his seat.
He was flanked by UFC CEO and pal Dana White and was greeted with loud cheers inside the Prudential Center, with Kid Rock's 'American Badass' blaring out on the speakers.
Once arriving at his seat, Trump greeted boxing legend Mike Tyson and UFC commentators Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier and Joe Rogan, who had him on his podcast during the US election.
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Kevin Holland, who submitted Vicente Luque, and Kayla Harrison, who dethroned Julianna Pena of the UFC women's bantamweight title, both celebrated their big wins with the US president.
Harrison even wrapped the UFC belt around Trump's waist.
Trump wasn't just surrounded by celebrities and high-profile figures in the VIP area as the Secret Service were also present.
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And his appearance at UFC 316 is set to cost US taxpayers around $250,000.
That's based on federal records as the agents protecting the 78-year-old doesn't come cheap - just like his lavish golf trips.
For his UFC 244 visit in New York City - which was headlined by Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz, hotel rooms for the Secret Service cost $224,212, per The Daily Mail.
Another $22,005.51 was said to have been spent on travel expenses to allow agents to travel in and out of the city during Trump's visit, according to receipts.
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The Secret Service also spent $6,350 on 'tents' for security checkpoints to set up near Trump Tower, where he stayed overnight after the event.
The entire trip to the Big Apple was said to have cost $252,567.51.
It's unclear whether he stayed the night in Newark for UFC 316. If he had, then US taxpayers are looking at a similar cost for his New York City visit in 2019.