In a display of unwavering support for American sports, President Donald Trump attended the NCAA Men's Division I Wrestling Championship in Philadelphia on Saturday. The conservative icon was greeted with thunderous applause and chants of "U-S-A!" as he entered the Wells Fargo Arena, accompanied by Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a two-time NCAA wrestling champion himself.
"We're going to the big fight. In Philadelphia they have the NCAA World Wrestling for college. I've always supporterd the wrestlers. These are the great college wrestlers from the various schools. I think Penn State is leading. Nebraska is in 2nd place right now." pic.twitter.com/VRjRgxBALb
— Karli Bonne’ 🇺🇸 (@KarluskaP) March 21, 2025
The president's presence electrified the atmosphere, with ESPN cutting away from an interview with national champion Carter Starocci to capture Trump's grand entrance. The crowd rose to their feet, honoring the leader of the free world as he waved to the enthusiastic onlookers. Starocci, who later became the first five-time Division I national champion, eagerly shook Trump's hand and posed for photos with his newly earned trophy. Trump's press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, captured the moment in a social media post, dubbing him the "Coolest. President. Ever."
🚨 HOLY CRAP! The crowd just went absolutely WILD as President Trump walked out at the NCAA Wrestling Championship 🔥
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 22, 2025
The people LOVE President Trump. Regardless of what the media tells you. pic.twitter.com/19Da5oRgTs
This marks the first time a sitting U.S. president has attended the NCAA Wrestling Tournament. While other presidents, such as Abraham Lincoln, participated in amateur wrestling during their lifetimes, President Trump's experience with wrestling leans more toward the professional entertainment variety. In a notable WWE storyline, Trump purchased the company, sparking a rivalry with former owner Vince McMahon. McMahon, in turn, repurchased the WWE within the narrative, leading to a dramatic showdown at WrestleMania 23 known as the "Battle of the Billionaires." In this event, ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley, representing Trump, faced off against Raw's Intercontinental Champion Umaga, who represented McMahon. The stakes were high: The losing billionaire would have his head shaved bald. Lashley emerged victorious, cementing a memorable moment in Trump's wrestling-related history.
The wrestling community embraced Trump's attendance, with heavyweight Gable Steveson of the Minnesota Gophers promising to "put on a good show" for the president. Starocci echoed the sentiment, noting Trump's status as a combat sports aficionado and the boost his presence provides to the sport. The Penn State team ultimately claimed victory in the team competition, a fitting tribute to the president's visit.
🚨🇺🇸AIR FORCE CHAMP SALUTES TRUMP AFTER NCAA WIN
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 23, 2025
2nd Lt. Wyatt Hendrickson of the U.S. Airforce saluted Trump after clinching the NCAA Wrestling national title.
Trump responded with a handshake: “I’m proud of you.”pic.twitter.com/tmXpK59n9d https://t.co/RT2OZRIijT
Wyatt Hendrickson, who won his match over, believe it or not, former WWE pro wrestler Steveson, and who was, before he came back to wrestle in the heavyweight division, a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, then saluted President Trump after winning the NCAA title.
Trump's appearance at the NCAA Championship continues his tradition of supporting America's most cherished sporting events. From becoming the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl in February to cheering on racers at NASCAR's Daytona 500, Trump has consistently demonstrated his commitment to celebrating the nation's athletic heritage. His pre-inauguration outings to the Army-Navy football game and UFC 309 further underscore his dedication to the values of strength, competition, and patriotism that these events embody.
As President Trump stood alongside conservative stalwarts Musk and Jordan, himself a product of the wrestling world, the message was clear: The administration stands firmly behind the hardworking athletes who make America proud. With the crowd's chants echoing through the arena, it was a moment that encapsulated the unshakeable spirit of a nation united under a leader who champions its greatness.
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