President Donald Trump reacted to the news of legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan’s death on Thursday after the news reached the White House.
‘We lost a great friend today, the “Hulkster,”’ Trump shared on social media Wednesday afternoon. ‘Hulk Hogan was all about MAGA — Strong, tough, smart, yet with the kindest heart.’
‘He captivated audiences worldwide, and his cultural impact was enormous,’ Trump noted, lauding his ‘absolutely electric speech’ at the Republican 2024 National Convention.
‘To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!’ he concluded.
Hogan, who’s real name is Terry Bollea, died at the age of 71 on Thursday morning.
The two larger-than-life figures developed a bond as Trump was establishing his brand, while Hogan was rising as WWF’s leading star. The president spoke about his friend’s passing amidst several days of controversy at the White House concerning his interactions with Jeffery Epstein.
Hogan’s death also prompted Vice President JD Vance to pay tribute to the famous wrestler.
‘Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid,’ Vance wrote on social media. ‘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.’
Hogan famously endorsed Trump at the Republican National Convention in 2024, delighting the president’s supporters by appearing on stage waving an American flag prior to his speech.
Businessman Donald Trump and World Champion Wrestler Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania Vl Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey March 29 1988
President Trump poses for a photo with WWE Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan
The famous American figure, who did not voice his support for Trump in his first election, revealed that the failed assassination attempt of the president in Butler, Pennsylvania inspired him to endorse the president in his reelection campaign.
‘What happened last week, when they took a shot at my hero, and they tried to kill the next president of the United States, enough was enough and I said let Trumpamania run wild brother!’ he shouted as he ripped off his t-shirt to show a Trump branded tank top.
Hogan said he and Trump had known each other for over 35 years, recalling the moments during his wrestling career at some of his hotel and casino venues.
‘I just had a flashback man, this is really tripping,’ Hogan told the crowd. ‘You know the last time I was onstage Donald Trump was sitting ringside at Trump Plaza,’ Hogan said recalling one of presidents old casino hotels in Atlantic City.
In 1988 and 1989, the WWE’s WrestleMania events were hosted near Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Hogan pointed to Trump’s record in his first term as evidence that he would return to office and enforce the border and be tough on crime.
‘So all you criminals, all you low-lifes, all you scumbags, all you drug dealers and all you crooked politicians need to answer one question for me. What you gonna do when Donald Trump and all the Trumpamaniacs run wild on you brother?’ he said in Milwaukee.
Hogan also spoke at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally in New York City, just a week before the presidential election.
Former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan arrives to speak at a campaign rally for former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden
Hulk Hogan, professional entertainer and wrestler, rips his shirt while speaking on Day 4 of the Republican National Convention
‘You something Trumpmaniacs, I don’t see no stinkin’ Nazis in here, I don’t see no stinkin’ domestic terrorists in here, the only thing I see in here are a bunch of hard workin’ men and woman that are real Americans brother,’ he said at the Madison Square Garden Rally in New York City.
Hogan also attended the president’s inauguration, and one of his inauguration balls in Washington, DC in January.
‘We have our country back!’ Hogan celebrated on Fox News at the president’s Liberty Ball as he ripped the sleeves of his tuxedo. ‘We’re going to get everything back to where it should be.’
