‘The Breadwinner’ star Nate Bargatze shares plans for stand-up comedy
Nate Bargatze talks to USA TODAY’s Brian Truitt about his latest work, “The Breadwinner,” and tells us all about his future plans for stand-up comedy.
Nate Bergatze is facing backlash over his participation in the White House’s UFC Freedom 250 fight.
The comedian, who has intentionally presented an apolitical, family-friendly style of comedy, appeared on Cheryl Hines’ Instagram Story on Sunday, June 14, in which the Curb Your Enthusiasm actress and her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., were seen posing with Bargatze inside the White House. JD Vance was also seen in the background of the photo, but it has now expired.
In other photos circulating on social media, the Nashville-based cartoonist posed with former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Joe Rogan, Luke Bryan and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
USA TODAY has reached out to Bargatze’s representatives for comment.
The reaction to Bargatze, who did not publicly announce his attendance at the event, was swift.
One X user, who called the comedian “MAGANAte,” wrote, “I was having fun with @natebargatze, but then I found out he thinks fascism is funny.” Another wrote: “No, I loved that guy and I don’t usually boycott, but I’m done with him.”
The thread user expressed further frustration, saying, “I have tickets to see Nate Bargatze in July and I sold them back this morning for half price.”
The historic event, which took place on the White House lawn to coincide with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, has drawn criticism for everything from the use of public property for a private commercial event to the lack of congressional approval. Other critics lamented that the White House was hosting a martial arts event during the Iran war, leaving many Americans facing a cost of living crisis.
About 4,000 to 5,000 guests were in attendance, about 1,000 seats were reserved for military personnel, 1,400 tickets were personally allocated to President Trump’s guests, and UFC CEO Dana White had 300 tickets.
Celebrities who attended the UFC Freedom 250 match
Contributor: Peter Burditt, Nashville, Tennessee. Josh Peter, USA TODAY
