SB. Cheryl Hines and Former President Trump Have Brief Public Exchange at UFC 314

Miami, Florida – June 2025 – A brief moment between actress Cheryl Hines and former President Donald Trump at UFC 314 drew public attention during the televised event. The interaction occurred as Trump arrived at the Kaseya Center in Miami, where he greeted several individuals seated near the octagon, including independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and media personality Dave Portnoy.

Cheryl Hines, known for her role in the long-running HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm, accompanied her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been campaigning as an independent candidate in the 2024 U.S. presidential race. During Trump’s walk through the front row, cameras captured a moment where Hines extended her hand toward the former president. At the time, Trump appeared to continue his greetings without immediately acknowledging the gesture, which sparked online conversation.

Video Footage and Public Reaction

The moment was recorded live during the ESPN broadcast of the event, and video clips quickly circulated on social media. Public commentary varied, with some viewers interpreting the interaction as unintentional due to the pace of the introductions and others drawing attention to the visual awkwardness of the encounter.

Later in the evening, additional footage and photographs confirmed that Trump and Hines did exchange a handshake and brief conversation as he returned to interact with her and RFK Jr., according to coverage from reputable outlets including CBS News and Politico.

Cheryl Hines’ Public Position

Cheryl Hines has previously expressed views on various political topics, including her support for her husband’s independent candidacy. According to public interviews, she has emphasized her focus on civic engagement and health-related causes. While Hines has not endorsed any other presidential candidate for 2024, her public comments have clarified her position of supporting her husband’s campaign efforts.

There is no official record indicating a broader conflict or formal snub between Hines and Trump. According to media reports, both parties continued their evening without incident following the brief exchange.

Appearances and Political Context

Former President Trump’s appearance at UFC 314 is part of his ongoing public visibility at major sporting events. UFC President Dana White, a known supporter of Trump, has frequently hosted him at Ultimate Fighting Championship matches, including previous appearances in Las Vegas and New York City.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cheryl Hines have also made multiple appearances at public events during the 2024 campaign season. In November 2024, Hines was present at a private gathering held at Mar-a-Lago, a location known for hosting various high-profile figures across the political spectrum. While some media outlets have noted the crossover of attendees from different political backgrounds, there is no indication that such appearances constitute formal political endorsements or affiliations.

Importance of Accurate Public Interpretation

Political and celebrity interactions in public forums often attract intense scrutiny, especially during a U.S. election cycle. Experts from the Pew Research Center and the Center for Media Engagement have emphasized the role of media literacy in evaluating clips and moments that may go viral on social platforms. In many cases, partial footage or brief encounters may be interpreted in different ways depending on audience expectations or editorial framing.

Conclusion

The brief exchange between Cheryl Hines and Donald Trump at UFC 314 reflects how small moments can become amplified during politically charged periods. Verified footage shows that while there may have been a missed handshake initially, the two did interact respectfully later during the event. No official disputes or statements of concern have been issued, and both individuals continue to engage with the public in their respective roles.

As with all political coverage, it is important to rely on trusted news sources and full context when evaluating viral clips. Ensuring that coverage remains grounded in fact helps promote a more informed public discourse, especially in an election year.

Verified Sources and Official Reports

This article draws on publicly accessible information from:

• The New York Times

• CBS News

• Associated Press

• C-SPAN coverage archives

• UFC official broadcast footage via ESPN

• Statements and interviews from Cheryl Hines and RFK Jr. on CNN, NBC, and Fox News

No official statements of offense or apology have been released by either party regarding the UFC 314 interaction. As of this writing, both Cheryl Hines and Donald Trump continue to participate in their respective public roles—Hines as a public figure and advocate, and Trump as a 2024 presidential candidate.