Cheryl Hines Has Awkward Moment with Trump at UFC 314—What Happened and Why It Sparked Buzz
During the high-profile UFC 314 event in Miami, a brief but uncomfortable moment involving actress Cheryl Hines, wife of independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., drew considerable attention both in the arena and across social media platforms.
As former President Donald Trump made his entrance into the event, he was greeted enthusiastically by a group of prominent figures, including RFK Jr. himself and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. Standing beside her husband, Hines extended her hand in what appeared to be a polite gesture toward Trump. However, the former president turned his attention elsewhere, seemingly missing or ignoring the offered handshake. The brief moment, captured live by ESPN’s cameras, quickly went viral.
Many viewers took to social media to comment on the perceived slight. Some speculated that it was intentional, citing political differences, while others suggested it was likely an oversight amidst the flurry of greetings and crowd noise. The clip generated thousands of reactions, ranging from criticism of Trump’s etiquette to sympathy for Hines, who was seen awkwardly withdrawing her hand before giving a brief, uncomfortable smile.
Moments later, however, the situation appeared to be smoothed over. Trump was seen speaking with both Hines and Kennedy, during which he did shake her hand in a more private exchange. While the follow-up interaction didn’t garner as much media attention as the initial snub, it was noted by some observers as a gesture that eased the earlier tension.
The incident comes against the backdrop of an increasingly complicated political dynamic. Hines, best known for her role on the long-running HBO comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm, has been openly critical of Trump and has made it clear that she does not support his 2024 presidential bid. Instead, she has thrown her full backing behind her husband’s independent campaign.
Despite her political stance, Hines was later seen at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in November 2023, attending a social event where she appeared to mingle comfortably among guests—many of whom are supporters of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement. Her appearance at Mar-a-Lago sparked additional online conversation, with some critics questioning the optics, while others defended her right to maintain social civility despite political disagreements.
As the 2024 election cycle heats up, moments like these underscore how personal, political, and public identities can collide, especially in high-visibility environments. Whether the incident at UFC 314 was an innocent oversight or something more symbolic, it reflects the heightened attention placed on even the smallest gestures in today’s politically charged atmosphere.
