UFC veteran reacts to Donald Trump's executive order on foreign students, calls for deportation of those supporting Israel or IDF

A former UFC welterweight has taken to X to respond to one of current United States president Donald Trump's executive orders. The order in question greenlights the deportation of foreign students found to be supporting organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah.

Both organizations have been designated as terrorist factions by the United States, and played a major role in the Israel-Hamas war which first broke out on Oct. 7, 2023.

However, ex-welterweight Jake Shields tweeted a demand for Trump to sign a similar executive order for the students who support Israel and the IDF.

"Let's also deport any foreign student who supports Israel or the IDF"

Shields was once a high-level MMA athlete, who famously authored a 15-fight win streak, which included victories over future UFC interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit, future undisputed UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler, and PRIDE FC's only two-division champion, Dan Henderson.

In fact, Shields even challenged for the welterweight title at UFC 129, facing the great Georges St-Pierre. Unfortunately, he failed to dethrone the legendary Canadian and was never again at the helm of such a successful run. Upon his retirement from MMA, Shields became a political commentator.

Over time, he adopted an inflammatory anti-Israel rhetoric which has drawn accusations of antisemitism. This sentiment has only heightened since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas. Shields was quick to capitalize on the momentum of the war's coverage.

He also sought to fan the flames of a feud between Belal Muhammad, a Palestinian-American, and Ariel Helwani, a Jewish Canadian-American combat sports journalist.

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Donald Trump's relationship with UFC fighters tends to be more positive

While Jake Shields holds a different opinion than Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States generally enjoys a more amicable relationship with MMA fighters. Many of them are his supporters, with high-profile examples being Jon Jones and Conor McGregor, both of whom have expressed admiration for him.

None, however, compare to Colby Covington, who created an entire persona based off of his deep admiration for Trump. During his short stint as interim welterweight champion, Covington even took his belt to the White House during Trump's first term as United States president.