UFC fighter who said ‘Michelle Obama is a man’ responds after praise from Donald Trump: ‘I thought I was giving her a compliment’

Key Points:

• At the White House’s UFC 250 Freedom event, fighter Josh Hokit sparked controversy by yelling “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” after winning a fight, drawing some cheers from the audience.
• The White House condemned Hokit's remarks as “nasty and false,” and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy urged President Trump to officially denounce the comments.
• Instead of denouncing the statement, President Trump praised Hokit and other fighters on Truth Social, highlighting their athletic performance without addressing the controversy.
• Hokit defended his comment by claiming it was meant as a compliment to Michelle Obama’s resilience and hard work, framing it as an exercise of free speech.
• Critics hope Hokit's explanation will prompt a clearer and more measured condemnation from President Trump in response to the incident.