Trump to Attend NCAA Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia
Former President Donald Trump is set to attend the final rounds of the NCAA Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia on Saturday, marking a high-profile appearance at the prestigious collegiate sporting event. Trump’s announcement came on Friday, as he addressed reporters outside the White House, expressing his long-standing support for wrestling and its athletes.
"We’re going to the big fight," Trump stated. "The reason I’m going is in Philadelphia. They have the NCAA, world, wrestling for college. And I’ve always supported the wrestlers. So I want to support them. These are the great college wrestlers from the various schools. I think Penn State is leading, and Nebraska is in second place right now. And a lot of good things."
The news of Trump’s attendance was initially revealed by OutKick co-founder Clay Travis on Tuesday via an X post. Travis indicated that he would be traveling alongside the former president on Air Force One to the championships. The White House subsequently confirmed Trump’s plans on Friday.
Accompanying Trump on this trip will be House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, a Republican representing Ohio. Jordan’s presence adds another layer of significance to the event, as he boasts an impressive wrestling background himself. During his high school and collegiate years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Jordan excelled in the sport, ultimately clinching two NCAA Division I men’s wrestling titles. He later served as an assistant coach for Ohio State University’s wrestling program from 1987 to 1995, further solidifying his connection to the wrestling community.
Senator Dave McCormick, a Republican representing Pennsylvania, will also be joining Trump in Philadelphia. McCormick had previously confirmed Trump’s attendance at the event in his home state, expressing his enthusiasm on X. "I’m thrilled to be in Philadelphia this weekend with [Trump] for the [NCAA Wrestling] Championship," McCormick wrote. "I grew up wrestling in small towns across PA and at West Point. It taught me grit, resilience, and hard work."
The NCAA Wrestling Championships are being held at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center, marking the event’s return to the city for the first time since 2011. In that year, Penn State capitalized on their home-state advantage and emerged victorious, setting the stage for a period of dominance. The Nittany Lions have since secured eight of the last 11 titles, including the last three consecutive championships.
With a victory on Saturday, Penn State would achieve their third four-peat within that remarkable run. Their current lead in the team standings is substantial, as they hold a commanding 90.5 points, significantly ahead of second-place Nebraska at 62.5 and third-place Oklahoma State at 61.0.
Trump’s decision to attend the NCAA Wrestling Championships underscores his commitment to supporting collegiate athletics and his appreciation for the dedication and skill of wrestlers. The event is expected to draw significant attention, both for the competition itself and for the presence of prominent political figures.
The convergence of sports and politics at the NCAA Wrestling Championships adds an intriguing dimension to the event. Trump’s appearance is likely to generate considerable media coverage and spark conversations about the intersection of athletics and political engagement.
The presence of Jim Jordan, a former wrestling champion and coach, further enhances the significance of the event for wrestling enthusiasts. Jordan’s deep understanding of the sport and his commitment to promoting its values make his attendance particularly noteworthy.
Senator Dave McCormick’s background as a wrestler in Pennsylvania also adds a local connection to the championships. His support for the event and his appreciation for the lessons learned through wrestling resonate with the local community and highlight the sport’s impact on personal development.
As the NCAA Wrestling Championships reach their climax, the presence of Donald Trump, Jim Jordan, and Dave McCormick adds an element of political theater to the already compelling athletic competition. The event serves as a platform for celebrating the achievements of collegiate wrestlers and for showcasing the values of perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
