Donald Trump sends NCAA Wrestling Championships fans wild as he attends with Elon MuskĀ in Philadelphia

President Donald Trump received a mostly enthusiastic welcome upon his arrival at the NCAA wrestling championships on Saturday night, marking his second appearance at the event in three years.

Trump made his way into Wells Fargo Center not long after 7pm ET, cutting off an interview with a wrestler that was being broadcast on ESPN.

The Republican leader was greeted with cheers and applause as he entered the arena, acknowledging the crowd with waves and fist pumps. While there were some boos heard, they were overshadowed by chants of ‘USA’.

Once inside, Trump greeted many of his supporters with handshakes before taking his place in a VIP section adjacent to the mat, where he was seated alongside Senator Dave McCormick and Dina Powell.

Trump’s entourage also included Elon Musk, Congressman Jim Jordan, who is a two-time NCAA national champion wrestler, chief of staffĀ Susie Wiles andĀ Outkick founder Clay Travis.

Penn State wrestler Carter Starocci made a beeline for Trump on Saturday night just moments after becoming the first-ever five-time national champion.Ā 

Donald Trump got a standing ovation as he arrived at the NCAA Wrestling Championships

Donald Trump got a standing ovation as he arrived at the NCAA Wrestling Championships

Fans filmed the president and chanted ‘USA’ as he walked out to a standing ovation

Trump then took his seat in a VIP section by the mat alongside Senator Dave McCormick

Trump then took his seat in a VIP section by the mat alongside Senator Dave McCormick

Trump shakes hands with Elon Musk and the rest of his entourage, who were sat by the mat

Trump shakes hands with Elon Musk and the rest of his entourage, who were sat by the mat

Congressman Jim Jordan, a two-time NCAA national champion wrestler, speaks with Musk

Congressman Jim Jordan, a two-time NCAA national champion wrestler, speaks with Musk

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles was also among Trump's entourage at the event

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles was also among Trump’s entourage at the event

Footage posted by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shows Starocci shaking hands with Trump and handing over his trophy to the president before they posed for photos together.

It was a moment that sent fans wild on social media, with one commenting: ‘So cool! Love seeing all these historic moments.’

‘Love this video! The people’s President’, another added.

A third fan posted: ‘That could be a life-changing moment for that young man. Winning the championship will be important, I’m sure; but to have actually shook hands with, and got to put your arm around the legend?’

Another wrote: ‘Once again President Trump proves he’s a man of the people.’

Hours earlier, Trump was pictured landing at Philadelphia International Airport on Air Force One. He was greeted by Oklahoma senator Markwayne Mullin and his wife Christie.Ā 

The A-list entourage was in Philadelphia to watch Penn State try and secure its fourth straight men’s team title.Ā 

It is the latest example of how Trump as mostly limited travel early in his new term to trips built around sports events.

Penn State wrestler Carter Starocci shook hands with Trump and handed him his trophy

Penn State wrestler Carter Starocci shook hands with Trump and handed him his trophy

The Republican president spent Friday night at his club in Bedminster, New Jersey, about 70 miles northeast of Philadelphia, on what was his first visit there of his second term.

‘We’re going to the big fight. The reason I’m going is in Philadelphia. They have the NCAA, world, wrestling for college. And I’ve always supported the wrestlers,’ Trump told reporters as he left the White House on Friday evening.

‘I want to support them. These are the great college wrestlers from the various schools.’Ā 

In the two-plus months since returning to the White House, Trump attended the Super Bowl in New Orleans and the Daytona 500 in Florida, where his motorcade drove a portion of the track. While president-elect he went to a UFC fight in New York.

That’s more travel for sports than for policy announcements or official duties, though a long January swing took Trump to tour damage from Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and wildfires in Los Angeles.Ā 

He then gave aĀ speech and visited the floor of Las Vegas’ Circa Resort & Casino before heading to Doral, Florida, to address a House Republican policy conference.

Trump arrived in Philadelphia for his return to the major wrestling event earlier on Saturday

Trump arrived in Philadelphia for his return to the major wrestling event earlier on Saturday

Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin and his wife Christie were there to greet the president

Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin and his wife Christie were there to greet the president

A member of the secret service stands outside the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia

A member of the secret service stands outside the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia

Trump has long built his public and political persona around sporting events, and relishes turning up at live events to hear cheers from the crowd, even if some in attendance boo him.Ā 

He also has signed an executive order intended toĀ ban transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’a sports – an action which he points to frequently to fire up his core supporters.

The president has used most Saturdays and Sundays to play golf at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, though he also sometimes remained in Washington to give weekend speeches.

Trump was a candidate when he went to the 2023 NCAA wrestling championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

You May Also Like
Chicago rapper Lil Durk pushes to dismiss murder-for-hire case in attempted Quando Rondo killing, allegedly tied to King Von death

Chicago rapper Lil Durk seeks to have murder-for-hire case linked to Quando Rondo shooting and King Von’s death thrown out

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago rap star Lil Durk is pushing to have…
Pope Francis' funeral will be simplified version of past papal funerals, per his change of papal funeral rites

“Pope Francis to Have Simplified Funeral Rites Compared to Previous Popes”

The upcoming funeral for Pope Francis will blend long-standing traditions with modern…
New 'America's Most Wanted' puts migrants, 'worst of the worst' on notice

“Revamped ‘America’s Most Wanted’ Targets Migrants and Most Notorious Criminals”

ATLANTA – “America’s Most Wanted” returns—bigger, bolder, and more determined than ever—as…
McKinley Park, Chicago crime: Burglary at The R.O.C.K. Exchange Resale Boutique caught on camera; 4 other businesses targeted

Surveillance Footage Captures Burglary at The R.O.C.K. Exchange Resale Boutique in McKinley Park, Chicago, Along with 4 Other Businesses Being Targeted

CHICAGO (WLS) — A business break-in on the city’s Southwest Side was…
Where will the next pope come from? Analysts say it could be Africa’s time

Analysts suggest the next pope could potentially originate from Africa

Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson is depicted in an image, waiting…
Pope Francis revealed burial wishes just days after becoming pope in 2013

Pope Francis shared burial preferences shortly after becoming pope in 2013.

Just a few days after becoming pope, Pope Francis revealed his burial…
2nd Signal chat reveals Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth messaging about Yemen strikes with family members, ABC News sources say

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth discusses Yemen strikes in personal Signal chat with family members, according to ABC News sources

Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared details about an imminent attack…
Monday Morning Minute: No Such Thing As News Breaks

Monday Morning Minute: News Breaks Are Nonexistent

TOP O’ THE MORNIN’ Red-Hot at RedStateĀ  There are numerous reasons to…
Pope Francis death: Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, reacts to death of Catholic leader

Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, responds to the passing of Pope Francis

CHICAGO (WLS) — Cardinal BlasĆ© Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, has released a…
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy says Russia is trying to create an 'impression of a ceasefire' as attacks continue

President Zelenskyy of Ukraine claims that Russia is attempting to give the appearance of a ceasefire while attacks persist.

KYIV, Ukraine — President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accused Russia on Sunday…
REVEALED: The luxury items you should be investing in now to make millions down the line

Unveiled: The high-end products to consider investing in now for significant future gains

While HermĆØs Birkin bags and Fendi Baugettes may be getting a lot…
Theologian on 'Conclave' accuracy, expectations for next secretive event after Pope Francis' death

Theologian Discusses Accuracy and Expectations for the Next Conclave Following Pope Francis’ Passing

Though controversial, one of the least contentious 2025 Oscar-nominated films was “Conclave,”…