Donald Trump Pays Tribute to Hulk Hogan After Wrestling Icon’s Passing. Hulk Hogan, legendary wrestler and longtime friend of President Donald Trump, passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest in his Clearwater, Florida home. The loss has sent shockwaves through the worlds of sports, entertainment, and politics.
President Trump posted a heartfelt message on Truth Social, calling Hogan “strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart,” and offered warm condolences to his wife, Sky, and family. Donald Trump Jr. also shared a tribute, reflecting the deep, decades-long friendship between the Trump family and the wrestling icon.
Their bond began more than 35 years ago at a wrestling event in Atlantic City. Over the years, Hogan frequently appeared at Trump-hosted wrestling events, and Trump often supported him from the front row. One of Hogan’s most memorable career moments—winning a world title at WrestleMania—took place at Trump Plaza, with Trump watching proudly from ringside.
Although Hogan had recently undergone neck surgery and seemed to be recovering well, concerns about his health had circulated in recent weeks. His wife had publicly denied rumors that he was gravely ill, but the truth proved more serious than many realized.
Hogan’s death also casts uncertainty over his recent projects, including the launch of the Real American Freestyle wrestling league and Real American Beer. Just weeks before his passing, his team had shared promotional images celebrating his legacy.
But Hulk Hogan’s impact went far beyond the ring. With his trademark red-and-yellow gear, iconic mustache, and booming charisma, he helped turn wrestling into mainstream family entertainment. In the ’90s, he crossed into acting with shows like Thunder in Paradise, and later co-founded the groundbreaking New World Order (nWo) faction. He also opened up his private life in the 2000s with Hogan Knows Best, which starred his then-wife Linda and their children, Brooke and Nick.
To those closest to him—especially Donald Trump—Hogan was more than a public figure. He was a loyal friend, offering quiet support behind the scenes throughout the years.
Now, fans mourn the loss of a hero. His family grieves a loving husband and father. And his friends remember a man whose heart was as big as his legacy. Hulk Hogan may be gone physically, but his presence — in the ring, in pop culture, and in people’s hearts — will never fade.
Because Hogan didn’t just fight in wrestling matches — he fought his way into the hearts of millions. And in those hearts, he’ll never lose.
