President Donald Trump Makes a Grand Entrance at the NCAA Wrestling Championships
Philadelphia was buzzing with energy on Saturday as President Donald Trump arrived at the Wells Fargo Center for the final rounds of the 2024-25 NCAA Wrestling Championships. His entrance was met with a thunderous reaction from the passionate crowd, with chants of "USA! USA!" filling the arena. While most attendees cheered enthusiastically, a few scattered boos could also be heard.
This marks yet another major sporting event on Trump’s packed schedule, emphasizing his continued presence in the sports world. From NASCAR to the Super Bowl, the former president has made it clear that he loves being part of big athletic moments.
A Star-Studded Front Row
Trump wasn't alone in making waves at the event. Seated front and center were some notable figures, including billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk, OutKick founder Clay Travis, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and Education Secretary Linda McMahon—who, as a former WWE executive, knows a thing or two about wrestling. Also present were House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., both key Trump allies. The star-studded lineup added an extra layer of excitement to the already electric atmosphere.
Wrestling History in the Making
The action on the mat had just as much intensity as the political spectacle in the stands. Penn State, a dominant force in college wrestling, was poised to capture its fourth consecutive national title. If successful, it would be the third time the Nittany Lions have pulled off such a streak since 2011—a testament to their wrestling dynasty.
With a commanding lead of 169 points, Penn State had a comfortable 60-point cushion over second-place Nebraska. Trump, always one to embrace a competitive spirit, acknowledged the significance of the championship battle.
“We're going to the big fight... the NCAA, world wrestling for college,” Trump told reporters before heading to the event. “And I've always supported the wrestlers. These are great college athletes from the various schools. I think Penn State is leading, Nebraska in second. A lot of good things.”
Trump’s Sports-Filled Schedule
This isn’t the first time Trump has attended the NCAA Wrestling Championships—he was also present in 2023 when the event was held in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His interest in sports has been evident throughout his political career, making headlines with appearances at multiple high-profile competitions.
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Daytona 500 (February 2024): Trump became the first sitting president to attend two Daytona 500 races, first making history in 2020. This year, he participated in pre-race festivities, even taking a lap in "The Beast."
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Super Bowl (February 2024): Earlier in the month, Trump became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl. When the cameras panned to him, the FOX broadcast captured an eruption of cheers from the crowd.
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Army-Navy Game (December 2023): Trump attended the historic 125th edition of this storied rivalry, alongside Vice President JD Vance, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. This was not his first visit—he's been a regular at this game since winning the 2016 election.
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UFC 309 (November 2023): Just weeks after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in the election, Trump was spotted cage-side at the UFC event. Surrounded by Elon Musk, Donald Trump Jr., and others, he watched as Jon Jones knocked out Stipe Miocic. In a memorable moment, Jones even handed Trump his UFC heavyweight championship belt to hold.
Wrestling Roots in Politics
Trump's connection to wrestling isn’t just about entertainment—it runs deeper politically, too. Jim Jordan, one of Trump’s strongest allies, is a former NCAA champion himself. Jordan wrestled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, winning two Division I titles before transitioning into coaching at Ohio State from 1987 to 1995.
Sen. Dave McCormick, a Pennsylvania native, also has deep wrestling roots. Ahead of the event, he expressed his excitement about Trump's presence: “I’m thrilled to be in Philadelphia this weekend with [Trump] for the [NCAA Wrestling] Championship,” McCormick posted on X. “I grew up wrestling in small towns across PA and at West Point. It taught me grit, resilience, and hard work.”
What’s Next for Trump in Sports?
With this latest high-profile sports appearance, it’s clear Trump sees value in staying connected to athletic events. Whether it's celebrating America’s top college wrestlers, championing stock car racing, or sitting ringside at the UFC, he continues to make his presence felt in the sports world.
As Penn State chases yet another championship and wrestling fans soak in the spectacle, Trump’s attendance adds yet another layer of intrigue to an already action-packed tournament. Whether you're a wrestling enthusiast, a political observer, or just someone who loves a great sports moment, the 2024-25 NCAA Wrestling Championships delivered on all fronts.
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