In a significant public reversal, professional boxer Ryan Garcia has formally withdrawn his past support for former President Donald Trump. The announcement came via a social media post this weekend, marking a stark departure from Garcia's previous vocal admiration for the political figure.
A Public Declaration on Social Media
Garcia, who has faced controversy in recent years including expulsion from the World Boxing Council for using racial slurs during a livestream, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to make his position clear. "This is my public declaration and announcement, I'm reclining my past support for Donald Trump," Garcia wrote in his January 31, 2026 post.
The athlete elaborated on his reasoning, stating, "Anyone that was involved in any thing to do with that island and what they were doing, I just can't support in anyway. Children need to be protected, everyone knew better." This direct reference appears to connect to the ongoing revelations surrounding the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Context of the Epstein Connection
Trump's long-standing acquaintance with Epstein has been a subject of public scrutiny for years. The latest release of documents related to Epstein's activities has intensified this examination, with critics alleging that Trump's Justice Department deliberately slowed the disclosure process. Garcia's statement suggests these developments influenced his decision to distance himself from the former president.
This represents a notable shift for Garcia, who previously demonstrated enthusiastic support for Trump. The boxer had even been recorded shadowboxing to Trump's speeches and publicly declared his affection for the president on multiple occasions.
Previous Criticisms and Evolving Position
Garcia's withdrawal of support didn't occur in isolation. In June 2025, the California-born boxer, whose grandparents were born in Mexico, criticized the Trump administration's immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles. At that time, Garcia wrote, "I may have voted for Trump, but I can't stay silent about what's happening with ICE in LA. These aren't just 'illegals' or statistics — they're people."
Despite this earlier criticism, Garcia had stopped short of fully withdrawing his support until this weekend's announcement. The boxer, who was born and raised in Victorville, California, has faced backlash for various controversial statements in the past, including anti-LGBTQ comments that drew significant public condemnation.
Implications for Public Figures and Political Alignment
Garcia's public disavowal highlights the complex relationship between sports figures and political affiliations in contemporary society. As athletes increasingly use their platforms to express political views, such declarations can influence public discourse and potentially affect fan bases.
The boxer's statement emphasizes child protection as a central concern, framing his decision as a moral imperative rather than merely a political calculation. This approach may resonate with segments of his audience who prioritize ethical considerations in their assessment of public figures.
As the Epstein document releases continue to generate headlines and political figures navigate their associations with the controversial financier, Garcia's public stance represents another instance of individuals reevaluating their political alliances based on evolving information and personal principles.
