On Friday, President Trump expressed his sorrow over the passing of actor Chuck Norris, describing him as a “tough cookie” and a staunch ally. Speaking to reporters, Trump reminisced about Norris, highlighting his admiration for the late actor.

“He was an incredible individual,” Trump remarked while departing the White House. “You wouldn’t want to tangle with him; he was a formidable and remarkable person,” he added, paying tribute to Norris’s strength and character.

Trump further commented on Norris’s loyalty, stating, “He was a tremendous supporter. It’s truly unfortunate.”

The bond between Trump and Norris spanned several years, with Norris publicly backing Trump during his first presidential bid in 2016. Their acquaintance reportedly began in 1991 at WrestleMania VII held in Los Angeles, California.

The two men had a long-standing friendship, going back years. Norris endorsed Trump for president in his first campaign in 2016.

They are believed to have met in 1991 at WrestleMania VII in Los Angeles, California.

Norris, an Air Force veteran, was a longtime Republican who’s been involved in presidential politics for decades. He founded a nonprofit with President George H.W. Bush that promoted martial arts instruction for kids. The two even went skydiving for Bush’s 80th birthday in 2018.

And, in the 2008 Republican primary, Norris endorsed then-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee for president although Huckabee ultimately failed to garner the nomination.

The 86-year-old  “Walker, Texas Ranger” star died Thursday, in what his family described as a “sudden passing.”

A beloved icon of toughness, Norris’ supporters made him go viral when they started posted “Chuck Norris Facts” online.

Trump’s fans embraced the idea with their own “Trump Facts.”

This is a developing story. Check back for more.