Trump and Adams at UFC 309: What We Know
President-elect Donald Trump and then–New York City Mayor Eric Adams exchanged greetings at the November 16, 2024 fight at Madison Square Garden. A short video clip prompted lip-reading claims about what they said, but the footage does not provide a reliable transcript. Adams later offered his own recollection—and said he might have heard incorrectly.
What Adams recalled
At a November 19 press availability, Adams said the arena was noisy and he “couldn’t hear it all.” He thought Trump had said, “Eric, you’re one of the greatest mayors we’ve ever had,” but added, “I could be wrong.” Adams also joked that the lip-reading account missed other topics he said they discussed, including the city’s economy and jobs. His remarks are a recollection, not a confirmed word-for-word transcript of Trump’s comments.
Three days later, Adams described the meeting as a greeting and exchange of pleasantries. He said he intended to work with the incoming administration on behalf of New York City. The brief public interaction does not, by itself, establish a private agreement or explain either man’s motives.
The setting
Trump attended the event as president-elect after his 2024 election victory. Adams was still mayor of New York City. Their brief conversation drew attention because it came amid public discussion of how the city would work with the incoming administration. The clearest account of what was said remains Adams’s qualified recollection; the exact words cannot be confirmed from the clip.
Sources
NYC Mayor’s Office: November 19, 2024 press availability transcript
NYC Mayor’s Office: November 22 interview transcript
Associated Press: Trump attends the Madison Square Garden event
