‘The Breadwinner’ star Nate Bargatze talks stand-up comedy plans
Nate Bargatze tells USA TODAY’s Brian Truitt all about his future stand-up comedy plans while discussing his newest film, “The Breadwinner.”
Nate Bargatze is receiving pushback over his attendance at the White House-hosted UFC Freedom 250 fight.
The comedian, who has purposely presented a style of comedy that is non-political and family-friendly, appeared in Cheryl Hines’ Instagram story on Sunday, June 14, in which the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” actress and her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., posed with Bargatze inside the White House. JD Vance was also seen in the background of the photo, which has since expired.
In other social media photos circulating, the Nashville-based comic also posed for photos with former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Joe Rogan, as well as Luke Bryan and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
USA TODAY has reached out to Bargatze’s rep for comment.
Reactions to Bargatze, who did not publicize that he was at the event, have been swift.
One X user, who called the comedian “MAGANate,” wrote, “I used to enjoy @natebargatze, but then I learned that he thinks fascism is funny.” Another wrote, “Nah. I loved that guy, and I generally don’t do boycotts, but I’m done with him.”
A Threads user went further with their displeasure: “We have tickets to see Nate Bargatze in July. Sold them back at 1/2 the price this morning.”
The historic event, which took place on the White House lawn and coincided with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, has drawn criticism for everything from using public property for a private, for-profit event to its lack of congressional approval. Other critics lamented the White House hosting a combat sporting event amid the Iran War and many Americans facing an affordability crisis.
About 4,000 to 5,000 invited guests were in attendance, with roughly 1,000 seats reserved for military members, 1,400 tickets personally allotted to Trump’s guests, and UFC CEO Dana White had 300 tickets.
Celebrities who attended the UFC Freedom 250 fight
Contributing: Peter Burditt, Nashville Tennessean; Josh Peter, USA TODAY