Mike Tyson’s support for Donald Trump is more of a lifelong personal alliance than a formal political role. While he does not often appear at traditional rallies, he uses his significant media presence to defend Trump, particularly to the Black community and on health-related policy.
2024 Campaign and 2025 Inauguration
During the 2024 election, Tyson emerged as a key defender of Trump’s legal battles. He argued that the judicial treatment of Trump was something many Black Americans could identify with, stating in a February 4, 2025 interview with Fox News (Accessed February 9, 2026) that “if you didn’t know who Trump was… you’d think he was Black” because of the indictments he faced.
Tyson was also a visible presence at the start of the new administration, attending the January 20, 2025 inauguration festivities (Accessed February 9, 2026). At the Starlight Ball, he was famously hoisted onto the shoulders of former boxing rival Jake Paul in a show of unity for the President.
2026 Super Bowl and “MAHA” Advocacy
Most recently, Tyson has pivoted to supporting the administration’s health agenda. He appeared in a high-profile 2026 Super Bowl advertisement (Accessed February 9, 2026) titled “Processed Food Kills.” In this spot, Tyson shares the emotional story of his sister’s death from obesity and his own struggle with weight, ultimately directing viewers to the federal website realfood.gov to support the “Make America Healthy Again” movement led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Historical Context: A Loyalty-Based Bond
The relationship is built on decades of mutual support:
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The 1980s Atlantic City Era: Trump hosted many of Tyson’s biggest fights at Trump Plaza. Following Tyson’s 1988 win against Michael Spinks, Tyson hired Trump as a chief strategist and advisor (Accessed February 9, 2026).
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The 1992 Conviction: When Tyson was convicted of rape, Trump was one of the few prominent figures to advocate for him, suggesting he should be allowed to continue boxing to raise money for charity (Accessed February 9, 2026).
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Early Support: Tyson reciprocated this loyalty in 2015, becoming one of the first major celebrities to endorse Trump’s first run (Accessed February 9, 2026), stating that America should be run “like a business.”
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul at Trump’s Inaugural Bash
This video captures the celebratory interaction between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul at the 2025 inauguration, illustrating Tyson’s active and public participation in the start of the second Trump term.
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