Viral social media claims Trump snubbed Cheryl Hines at UFC match debunked with additional footage
A potentially controversial moment between President Donald Trump and actress Cheryl Hines at a UFC match in Miami sparked widespread social media debate.
According to Fox News, initial videos showing Trump appearing to ignore a handshake from Cheryl Hines, wife of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., went viral but failed to show the complete interaction that occurred later during the event.
The incident unfolded at UFC 314 in Miami on Saturday evening, where Trump was seen greeting various attendees, including Kennedy.
Video clips circulating online showed Hines extending her hand for a greeting, only to withdraw it as Trump moved past her to greet other guests.
The partial footage generated substantial attention across social media platforms, with many users quick to characterize the moment as a deliberate snub.
Social Media Response and Initial Public Reaction
Multiple social media users seized on the incomplete footage, sharing it widely with commentary suggesting intentional disrespect. Some accounts creatively referenced Hines' role in "Curb Your Enthusiasm," suggesting the moment needed only the show's signature theme music.
The viral clips accumulated hundreds of thousands of views within hours, spawning headlines both domestically and internationally about the supposed slight.
Former senior RFK Jr. advisor Link Lauren addressed the growing controversy directly on social media platform X. Lauren dismissed the viral interpretation as misleading, sharing photographic evidence of Trump's later interaction with both Hines and Kennedy. The advisor's intervention represented an early attempt to provide context to the rapidly spreading narrative.
Several X users joined in sharing additional footage and screenshots showing Trump engaged in conversation with both Hines and Kennedy, directly contradicting the initial viral interpretation. These users emphasized the importance of viewing the complete sequence of events rather than an isolated moment.
Official Statements Address Viral Claims
Hines' publicist Ann Gurrola provided important context when reached for comment. While noting she was not present at the event, Gurrola explained that based on available reports, Trump had indeed returned to speak with Hines. She offered her perspective on the initial missed handshake:
This appears to be simply an oversight, as President Trump did circle back to shake Mrs. Hines' hand later during the event. The viral clips don't show the complete picture of their interactions that evening.
A White House administration official reinforced this interpretation, explicitly stating that no snub had occurred. The official's statement, combined with photographic evidence obtained by Fox News Digital showing Trump conversing with Hines before the fight, provided additional confirmation of their cordial interaction.
Historical Context and Current Political Dynamics
The situation carries particular significance given Hines' previous public statements about Trump.
Despite having criticized Trump's rhetoric as "ridiculous and disrespectful" in the past, Hines has attended several Trump-related events at Mar-a-Lago and the White House since her husband endorsed Trump last summer and subsequently became his HHS chief this year.
The presence of both Kennedy and Hines at the UFC event reflects the evolving political alliances in Trump's administration. Their attendance alongside Trump at such a high-profile sporting event demonstrates the complex web of relationships that characterize the current political landscape.
Complete Story Emerges Through Multiple Sources
President Donald Trump's interaction with actress Cheryl Hines at UFC 314 in Miami generated significant social media controversy when incomplete footage appeared to show him ignoring her attempted handshake. The viral moment spread rapidly across various platforms, accompanied by speculation about intentional slights and political tensions.
Subsequent evidence, including photographs, additional video footage, and statements from multiple sources, revealed that Trump did engage with both Hines and her husband, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., during the event.
The complete picture demonstrates the importance of context when evaluating viral social media moments, particularly those involving high-profile political figures.