Trump Attends NCAA Wrestling Championships, Celebrates Hendrickson’s Upset Victory
Former President Donald Trump made a notable appearance at the NCAA wrestling championships in Philadelphia on Saturday, injecting his characteristic blend of politics and sports into the collegiate athletic arena. The visit culminated in a celebratory moment with Air Force Academy graduate Wyatt Hendrickson, who achieved a stunning upset victory over Olympic champion Gable Steveson to claim the NCAA heavyweight title.
The atmosphere at the championships was electric, with fans eagerly anticipating the clash between the established star Steveson and the determined challenger Hendrickson. The match lived up to the hype, delivering a thrilling display of athleticism and strategy. Hendrickson, fueled by determination, executed a late takedown to secure the win, sending shockwaves through the wrestling world.
In the aftermath of his victory, Hendrickson, draped in an American flag, made his way to Trump, extending his hand in a gesture of respect and acknowledgement. The moment was captured by numerous cameras, highlighting the intersection of sports, politics, and national pride.
"I put on a show for him, I wanted that national title," Hendrickson said, acknowledging Trump’s presence and underscoring the significance of the moment.
Trump’s attendance at the NCAA championships was not a solitary event but rather part of a broader pattern of engagement with the sports world since leaving office. He has been a visible presence at various sporting events, demonstrating his continued interest in athletics and his ability to draw attention to any event he attends.
Notably, Trump arrived at the wrestling meet alongside Clay Travis, the founder of Outkick media. Travis’s presence on Air Force One was part of an effort by Trump’s team to provide media outlets with opportunities that were not available during previous administrations. This initiative reflects Trump’s approach to media relations, which often involves unconventional strategies and direct engagement with various media platforms.
Trump’s recent appearances at sporting events are not limited to wrestling. In early February, he became the first sitting President to attend the Super Bowl, a move that generated considerable media coverage and solidified his image as a sports enthusiast. A week later, he was at the Daytona 500, where he took a few laps around Daytona International Speedway and served as the pace car ahead of the race. These high-profile appearances underscore Trump’s understanding of the power of sports as a platform for connecting with a broad audience.
His attendance at the national wrestling championships was anticipated, given his past involvement with the sport. Trump attended the championships in 2023 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, further solidifying his connection to the wrestling community. Moreover, his presidential campaign platform frequently emphasized the issue of transgender athletes in sports, particularly wrestling.
Trump’s stance on this issue aligns with a broader conservative perspective that advocates for maintaining traditional gender roles in athletics. Just weeks prior to the championships, the NCAA passed an official ban preventing transgender women from competing in women’s sports, a decision that resonated with many of Trump’s supporters.
Beyond wrestling, Trump has a long-standing affinity for combat sports in general. He is a regular attendee at UFC fights and maintains a close professional relationship with UFC CEO Dana White. White even delivered a speech at Trump’s presidential victory rally, highlighting the mutual respect and support between the two figures.
Trump’s involvement in professional wrestling extends back decades. He has participated in WWE events, including headlining WrestleMania 23 in 2007. In 2009, he was involved in a storyline that saw him "buy" WWE Raw from Vince McMahon before "selling" it back shortly after. Trump’s contributions to the world of professional wrestling were recognized with his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013.
His support for collegiate wrestling programs is also well-documented. In the lead-up to the 2024 election, Trump invited the national champion Penn State wrestling team on stage at a rally in Pennsylvania, demonstrating his appreciation for their achievements and his commitment to recognizing athletic excellence.
Trump’s appearance at the NCAA wrestling championships served as a reminder of his enduring influence in the sports world. His presence brought significant attention to the event and highlighted his continued engagement with athletes and fans. The celebration with Hendrickson underscored Trump’s ability to connect with individuals on a personal level and to capitalize on moments of athletic achievement to promote his own brand.
The event also underscored the increasing intersection of sports and politics, with athletes, coaches, and fans often finding themselves caught in the crosscurrents of political discourse. As Trump continues to engage with the sports world, his presence is likely to continue to generate debate and discussion about the role of politics in athletics. His strong views on numerous topics often create a spectacle. He is not one to shy away from any challenge put in front of him. He is known for having extremely loyal followers and this rally with Wyatt Hendrickson continues to fuel support and garner more followers. Trump is known for being a showman and this display was just another on a long list.
