Donald Trump Reacts to Death of Hulk Hogan
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
President Donald Trump has reacted to the death of professional wrestling legend and ally, Hulk Hogan.
Hogan died at age 71 following a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida, home early Thursday morning.
The president, a longtime fan and a former professional wrestling heel, himself, posted on Truth Social, "We lost a great friend today, the 'Hulkster.' Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week. He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive. To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!"
Trump and Hogan have shared a decades-long relationship rooted in their mutual flair for showmanship and crossover appeal between entertainment and politics. Their connection dates back to the 1980s, when Trump hosted several WrestleMania events at his Atlantic City casinos, featuring Hogan as the headline act. Over time, they maintained a friendly rapport, with Trump praising Hogan's star power and Hogan occasionally invoking Trump's name in public appearances.
Earlier on Thursday, as tributes began to pour in, Vice President JD Vance posted, "Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The last time I saw him we promised we'd get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace."
Donald Trump Jr. posted, "R.I.P to a legend."
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said on X, "We all have fond memories of @hulkhogan. From my childhood in the '80s, to campaigning with him last year, I always saw him as a giant in stature and in life. May he rest in peace."
Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, told reporters Thursday at the White House, "I love Hulk Hogan ... I had an Italian Mastiff dog named Hulk Hogan."
R.I.P to a legend. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 HULK HOGAN pic.twitter.com/Hjt7ncnhvO — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) July 24, 2025
In recent years, Hogan has become increasingly involved in politics.
During the 2024 Republican National Convention, he combined his signature WWE theatrics with the fiery rhetoric of President Donald Trump to deliver a forceful endorsement of his longtime associate.
"Let Trumpamania run wild! Let Trumpamania rule again! Let Trumpamania make America Great Again!" Hogan shouted into the crowd.
Donald Trump and World Champion Wrestler Hulk Hogan are shown at Wrestlemania Vl Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey March 29 1987.
Donald Trump and World Champion Wrestler Hulk Hogan are shown at Wrestlemania Vl Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey March 29 1987.
AFP/Getty Images
He ripped off a t-shirt emblazoned with a picture of himself on a motorcycle to reveal a bright red Trump-Vance campaign shirt underneath. Then-presidential candidate Trump stood to applaud the move.
In September of 2024, two months after the RNC, Trump publicly promote Hulk Hogan's beer brand, Real American Beer. Trump posted on Truth Social: "Hulk Hogan is doing a beer, and if he's doing it, it must be good. Great looking can and logo. Give it a try!!! DJT"
This promotion came despite Trump's own admission that he doesn't drink alcohol.
Though Hulk Hogan eventually became a favorite among Trump's base, according to ABC News, he supported Democrat Barack Obama during the 2008 election but later shifted his stance, backing Republican Mitt Romney over Obama in 2012.
Hogan notably lampooned Trump in a 2012 video. As part of a promotional stunt, Hogan impersonated Trump by removing his sunglasses and mockingly styling a paper bag as a comb‑over. He then mimicked firing his own family and suggested Trump "turns his back on everyone," implying the then-real estate mogul and reality show star is self‑centered.
Hulk Hogan ripping Trump in 2012 as not 'cool' and someone who turns his back on everyone including his own family.
This was before he sold out to Trump to promote his beer. pic.twitter.com/9IT32uTYY6 — PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 24, 2025
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
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