President Donald Trump has paid tribute to Hulk Hogan, touting the late wrestling legend’s loyalty to the MAGA movement.
“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster,’” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way—Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.”
Hogan, 71, born Terry Gene Bollea, went into cardiac arrest at his Florida home on Thursday morning and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
In his message, Trump, 79, recalled Hogan’s “absolutely electric” speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention, calling it “one of the highlights of the entire week.”
He added, “[Hogan] entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive. To his wife, Sky [Daily], and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
Trump and Hogan first met in the 1980s, when Trump hosted several WrestleMania events at his Atlantic City casinos, according to Newsweek.
During his RNC address, the WWE icon—who backed Barack Obama in 2008 before supporting GOP nominees thereafter—described Trump as his “hero,” and told an exuberant crowd, “we’re getting our country back!”
Trump blew Hogan a kiss as Hogan began to exit the stage at the conclusion of his speech.
The president’s son, Donald Trump Jr., also chimed in with his own post, highlighting his fond memories of Hogan at the convention.
“Hulk Hogan was a real American icon and I’ll never forget his speech in support of my father at the Republican National Convention,” Trump Jr., 47, wrote on X.
He reposted a video from Republican strategist Andrew Surabian showing Hogan rehearsing his speech, including the moment he planned to rip off his shirt to reveal a “Trump shirt” underneath.
Vice President JD Vance, 40, also hailed Hogan as an “American icon” and “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,” he wrote on X.
Hogan rose to national prominence in the 1980s with his “Hulkamania” persona and appeared in 15 movies, beginning with Rocky III in 1982. He later headlined the hit reality series Hogan Knows Best, which ran for four seasons between 2005 and 2007.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, 53, said he had “fond memories,” from watching him as a child to campaigning alongside him last year.
“I always saw him as a giant in stature and in life. May he rest in peace,” he wrote on X.
