Former President Donald Trump has spoken out following the passing of martial arts legend and actor Chuck Norris, who died at the age of 86.

“He was an incredible person, truly a formidable individual. We certainly didn’t want to be on the opposing side,” Trump remarked to journalists at the White House.

Reacting to the news of Norris’s passing, Trump added, “He was a tremendous supporter. It’s such unfortunate news.”

Norris had thrown his support behind Trump during the 2016 presidential election and continued to back him in the 2020 and 2024 campaigns.

The iconic actor’s life came to a sudden end on Thursday morning due to an unexpected medical incident in Hawaii.

Remembering Norris, his family described him as “a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, amazing brother, and the cornerstone of our family.”

While much of the entertainment world is known for supporting Democratic politicians, Norris was clear about his support for Republicans beyond Trump. 

In the past, he publicly supported moves by Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Republican Texas Senator Ted Cruz. 

President Donald Trump told reporters that Chuck Norris, who passed away at the age of 86, was a ‘really good tough cookie’ as he departed the White House on Friday

Chuck Norris (right) endorsed a number of Republican presidential candidates during his life, including Trump and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (left)

He also previously supported Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a conservative, in past elections. 

In the 2012 Republican primary, he endorsed former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, following the lead of another Texan, former Governor Rick Perry. 

Perry served as Trump’s Energy Secretary during the President’s first term. 

He gave former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, now serving as Trump’s ambassador to Israel, a pop culture boost during the 2008 race. 

Norris starred in a video entitled ‘HuckChuckFacts,’ which boasts 1.8 million views on YouTube. 

‘My plan to secure the border: two words – Chuck Norris,’ Huckabee said. 

Norris then appeared and boasted about Huckabee’s support for the Second Amendment, touting the fact that the presidential hopeful was a lifelong hunter.

‘There’s no chin behind Chuck Norris’ beard, only another fist,’ Huckabee said.

Chuck Norris (left) appears with presidential hopeful, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (right), at a campaign event in Texas in January 2008. Huckabee now serves as President Donald Trump’s ambassador to Israel

The legendary actor passed away on Thursday morning following a sudden medical emergency in Hawaii

The format followed the highly popular internet meme of sharing colorful facts about Norris’ might.

Norris again endorsed Huckabee when he ran for President during the 2016 cycle. 

‘Chuck Norris doesn’t endorse – he tells America how it’s going to be,’ Huckabee had said in the video. 

Huckabee went on to support Trump, with is daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, serving as one of the President’s press secretaries during his first term.

Huckabee Sanders would go on to serve, like her father, as the governor of Arkansas, a position she currently holds.