President Donald Trump received a mixed reception at the NCAA Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia, where some fans voiced their disapproval as he arrived at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday.
While a significant portion of the 10,000-plus crowd cheered and chanted “USA! USA!” in support, a noticeable number of attendees responded with boos.
The reaction highlighted the political divide even in a sporting event. Donald Trump, seated alongside Tesla CEO Elon Musk and U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA), took in the championship rounds. NBC 10 Philadelphia reported that the response was split, with vocal cheers and protests from the stands.
Wrestling Fans React To Donald Trump’s Presence
Despite the mixed reaction from the crowd, several college wrestlers appeared enthusiastic about Trump’s presence. Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson, fresh off a stunning upset victory over Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson, saluted the former president in a moment that quickly gained traction online.
Trump shared a video of his entrance on Truth Social, showcasing the enthusiastic supporters who welcomed him. However, critics have latched onto the boos as evidence of opposition, with some social media users amplifying the negative responses.
While public figures inevitably face a range of reactions, Trump’s appearance at a major collegiate sporting event underscores his enduring influence and polarizing presence. In a crowd as diverse as the one at the NCAA Championships, strong opinions, both for and against, were on full display.
