College wrestling champions showed their support for President Donald Trump during the NCAA wrestling championships held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The atmosphere was electric as Trump arrived to a warm welcome, with fans chanting “USA! USA! USA!” as he made his way into the packed arena.
The president took a front-row seat to enjoy the matches, and attendees captured memorable moments, including photos of wrestlers posing alongside him. One standout image featured Trump playfully pretending to wrestle with Nebraska’s Caleb Smith, who smiled broadly in the photo. Another moment was highlighted when Carter Starocci from Penn State, fresh off his fifth NCAA D1 Wrestling Championship win, shook hands with Trump, showcasing the camaraderie between the athletes and the president.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared a video of an unnamed wrestler wearing a “dark MAGA” hat as he greeted Trump, captioning it with a celebratory message about winning a national championship. The event was not only a showcase of athletic talent but also a platform for Trump to connect with the wrestling community.
Clay Travis, founder of Outkick, described the scene as fantastic, noting the sold-out crowd and the standing ovation Trump received upon his entrance. He flew on Air Force One with the president and remarked on the vibrant energy in the arena.
Trump, who was accompanied by several notable figures including Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Republican Senator Dave McCormick, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. He mentioned his long-standing support for college wrestlers and highlighted the competitive spirit of teams like Penn State and Nebraska.
After the matches, Trump planned to return to the White House, marking another memorable appearance in a sport he has publicly championed. The event not only celebrated wrestling but also underscored the strong ties between sports and political figures in the United States.
