Trump Attends NCAA Wrestling Championships
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (AP) — President Donald Trump made his second appearance at the NCAA wrestling championships on Saturday night, showcasing his preference for attending sports events during the early stages of his new term.
Warm Welcome in Philadelphia
Arriving at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Trump was met with enthusiastic cheers and a standing ovation from the crowd. He celebrated the moment by pumping his fists and joined in chants of “U-S-A!” Throughout the matches, he congratulated many of the victorious wrestlers and engaged with the audience as he exited the arena, warmly shaking hands with attendees.
Weekend at Bedminster
The president spent Friday night at his club in Bedminster, New Jersey, marking his first visit there during his second term. “We’re going to the big fight,” he said to reporters as he departed the White House, expressing his continuous support for college wrestlers.
Notable Companions and Events
Traveling alongside Trump was billionaire and advisor Elon Musk. Upon his arrival at the Philadelphia airport, he was welcomed by Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, with Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick and U.S. Representative Jim Jordan also in attendance at the wrestling event, seated near Musk and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Focus on Sports Engagements
Since resuming his presidency, Trump has focused more on sports events than on policy initiatives, having attended occasions like the Super Bowl in New Orleans and the Daytona 500 in Florida. He even participated in a motorcade across a portion of the Daytona track. Remarks made during his campaign also reflect his strong ties to the sports community.
Sporting Legacy and Upcoming Plans
Trump’s deep connection with sports is multilayered, having previously played football in school and owned the New Jersey Generals of the USFL. In a recent interview, he commented on upcoming White House visits by the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, which missed their chance to visit previously due to the pandemic.
Reflection on Historical Documents
In an interview conducted on Air Force One, Trump reflected on the release of files relating to President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, noting that they revealed minimal new information. “I think the papers have turned out to be somewhat unspectacular,” he remarked, suggesting that this may not be a negative outcome.
Contributors
Associated Press writers Mark Scolforo in Philadelphia and Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, contributed to this report.
