Trump to Attend NCAA Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia, Amidst Political Landscape
Former President Donald Trump is poised to attend the NCAA Division I wrestling championships this weekend in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a move that places him squarely in a city with a long-standing Democratic stronghold. The news, seemingly broken by OutKick co-founder Clay Travis via an X post, has been unofficially confirmed by press secretary Karoline Leavitt, sparking considerable interest and speculation across the political and sporting spheres.
Travis’ initial announcement, suggesting he would be traveling with the former president on Air Force One to the event, was met with anticipation and scrutiny. Leavitt’s concise "See you this weekend!" response to Travis’ post fueled the expectation of Trump’s presence at the championship, further solidifying the news.
Philadelphia’s political landscape presents a stark contrast to Trump’s Republican affiliations. The city has consistently elected Democratic mayors since 1952, a remarkable streak of 11 consecutive Democratic victories. The current mayor, Cherelle Parker, assumed office on January 2, 2024, continuing the city’s long-standing Democratic tradition.
The city’s voting patterns in recent elections further emphasize its Democratic leanings. In the last election cycle, Kamala Harris garnered an impressive 78.57% of the vote in Philadelphia, demonstrating a substantial preference for the Democratic ticket. While this figure represents a slight decrease of approximately three percentage points from Joe Biden’s vote share in 2020, it nonetheless showcases the city’s strong Democratic support.
Trump’s attendance at the wrestling championships aligns with his established pattern of frequenting high-profile sporting events. Throughout his presidency, he has made appearances at numerous notable competitions, including Super Bowl LIV in New Orleans and the Daytona 500, which he attended on back-to-back Sundays last month. Notably, Trump became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl, underscoring his interest in engaging with major sporting events.
While Trump has yet to attend a UFC fight since assuming office, he has demonstrated an interest in combat sports, having attended an event at Madison Square Garden shortly after winning the 2016 presidential election. He also made an appearance at the Army-Navy game in December, a tradition that has been embraced by many presidents. While Biden did not attend the game during his presidency, he did attend while serving as vice president under Barack Obama.
The NCAA Division I wrestling championships hold particular significance this year as they mark their return to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia for the first time since 2011. In that year, Penn State capitalized on their home-state advantage, claiming the championship title and initiating a period of remarkable dominance. The Nittany Lions have since secured eight of the last 11, and an astounding 11 of the last 13 titles, including each of the last three.
With a victory this year, Penn State would achieve their third four-peat within that impressive run, solidifying their status as a wrestling powerhouse. Their sustained success and consistent championship contention have made them a prominent and compelling storyline within the sport.
Looking ahead, the NCAA wrestling championships are set to venture into new territory in 2028, as they will be held in a football stadium for the first time. U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis will serve as the host venue, marking a significant departure from the traditional arena setting. This move was initially planned for the 2020 tournament, but those championships were unfortunately canceled due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2024 tournament commences on Thursday and will culminate on Saturday, promising three days of intense competition and thrilling matchups. The event is expected to draw a large crowd of wrestling enthusiasts, eager to witness the nation’s top collegiate wrestlers vying for individual and team glory.
Trump’s decision to attend the NCAA wrestling championships in Philadelphia is likely to generate significant media coverage and public attention. His presence in a city with a strong Democratic presence could be interpreted in various ways, ranging from a gesture of goodwill and appreciation for collegiate athletics to a deliberate attempt to engage with voters outside of his traditional Republican base.
Regardless of the underlying motivations, Trump’s attendance is certain to inject a new dimension of intrigue and interest into an already highly anticipated event. The convergence of sports and politics, particularly in a city with Philadelphia’s unique political landscape, is sure to make this year’s NCAA Division I wrestling championships a noteworthy occasion.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on Thursday and conclude on Saturday, offering a weekend of high-stakes competition and dramatic moments. The event will showcase the dedication, skill, and athleticism of the nation’s top collegiate wrestlers, providing a platform for them to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. With Trump in attendance, the event will undoubtedly be elevated to an even greater level of visibility and attention.
