In an unprecedented and shockingly offensive move, former President Donald Trump has proposed a "fight club-style" event for migrants seeking a better life in America. During a speech at an Evangelical Christian conference this past Saturday, Trump, with Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White, suggested the creation of an annual “Migrant League of Fighters.” This event would pit immigrants from the southern border against professional UFC fighters in a bizarre attempt to support his baseless claims that migrants are violent criminals.

Twice impeached Trump, audaciously said:

"Dana, I have an idea. Why don’t you set up a migrant league of fighters and have your regular league of fighters, and then you have the champion of your league — these are the greatest fighters in the world — fight the champion of the migrants.' I think the migrant guy might win, that’s how tough they are. He didn’t like that idea too much. But actually, it’s not the worst idea I’ve ever had. These are tough people, these people are tough, and they’re nasty."

Trump's insinuation that migrants would be the best professional fighters is not just a misguided joke, but a dangerous stereotype. Migrants, in reality, are statistically less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born Americans. Undocumented immigrants are 37.1% less likely to be convicted of a crime. Yet, Trump continues to fuel a campaign built on racism and harmful rhetoric.

How extreme do Trump’s claims need to be before we banish him from politics?

While we do not deny the challenges ahead, we vote because progress can only live in democracy. For this reason, former Trump officials are joining the ranks declaring him “unfit to be president.” In fact, 40 of his 44 former cabinet members refuse to endorse his campaign. 

UFC latest venue in culture war

Trump is strategically appealing to a more concerning audience with his jokes. The “manosphere,” a misogynistic influencer group, is among the following UFC supporters. As this group draws attention from young vulnerable men who have issues with America’s heightened inequality, feminism, and a misguided feeling of being emasculated in today's society, they share a mutual agreement with right-wing commentators. According to CUNY Professor Reece Peck, this conservative culture war is said to “distract working-class people from their economic struggles.” As Trump sympathizes with this community and gives them a sense of empowerment through his acknowledgment of masculinity and manhood, groups like the manosphere find solidarity in his message. 

A Dangerous Precedent

Donald Trump’s lack of decency and disregard for human life are appalling. The racial implications of his 'joke' are deeply troubling. While some may dismiss his words as mere humor, the idea of a presidential candidate treating human beings as playthings is alarming. How far is he willing to go? His comments reveal a temperament unfit for any leadership role, displaying a childish and sadistic outlook on governance.

Trump’s depraved character is another chapter in our history of the lost moral compass. He seeks approval by appealing to America’s most shameful legacies – segregation, race superiority, and provoking class systems. Don is the popular kid, where unfiltered supporters want the same protections he’s enjoyed as a class pet. But, Trump will attack anyone for more power and not only feed on the most vulnerable. 

Know your facts, more statistics on immigrant crime:
The Brennan Center, Learning for Justice, National Public Radio, Stanford University