Donald Trump, the UFC, and the Epstein Files were mentioned in the recent ESPY Awards. Comedian Shane Gillis set the tone for the 2025 ESPY Awards last night, and made extensive attention by including references to the UFC, former President Donald Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence and Jeffrey Epstein.
Shane Gillis of Espis
Shane Gillis confronted the monologue, addressing Donald Trump’s visible presence at various sporting events in recent years, jokingly saying that Trump “wanted to organize a UFC match on the White House lawn.” The comedian recalls the events surrounding the Capitol riots on January 6th and stitches it together with former vice president Mike Pence.
Gillis said:
“When (Trump) held the fight in DC, Mike Pence was almost dead.”
He continued to mention Jeffrey Epstein, but the secrets surrounding his death and the list of his companions remained the subject of ongoing public speculation and numerous conspiracy theories. Gillis addressed a delicate topic with a deliberate nod in this controversy.
“In fact, there was supposed to be an Epstein joke here, but I think it was deleted. Maybe it was deleted?
The monologue drew mixed reactions in the auditorium, chuckling and scattered applause. On social media, the jokes quickly became trending.
Donald Trump and the UFC
President Donald Trump has announced plans to hold a UFC event on the White House grounds as part of the 2026 US 250th anniversary ceremony. According to Trump, the event will include a championship fight hosted by the UFC president, President Dana White, which will attract up to 25,000 spectators.
Longtime supporter and attendee of the UFC Match, Trump presented his ideas during the rally, describing the plenty of space in the White House as ideal for staging a high-profile sports spectacle. The UFC and the White House are confirming ongoing preparations, but few details have been announced regarding dates, participating athletes or logistics, but mark the first instance of a professional sporting event held at the White House.
Donald Trump and the Epstein Files
In recent weeks, President Trump has faced backlash over his administration’s handling of files related to the late Jeffrey Epstein, including his Republican base. After the Justice Department review reaffirmed that there was no evidence that existing “client lists” or prominent figures were being threatened, some Trump supporters expressed frustration, promoting conspiracy theories and internal rifts within the GOP. Trump publicly called Epstein Focus a “hoax” and accused Democrats and certain Republicans (the “weak people”) of using political leverage. From previously suggesting transparency to now dismissing renewed interest, the president’s changing approach has sparked backlash. Some conservative activists have spurred further investigation and blamed control over possible concealment given their known connections with Epstein.
Network executives were expecting some pushbacks given Gillis’ willingness to address controversial topics. An ESPYS spokesman said after the broadcast, “We are hoping that comedians will test boundaries, and we hope that Shane’s performance certainly produced conversations.”
The monologue also included jokes directed at various sports figures and current controversy in the current world of sports.