Long before the world recognized Hulk Hogan as a wrestling legend, he was already a close and trusted friend of former President Donald Trump — a bond now mourned as deeply as the global tributes pouring in for the iconic wrestler.
Following Hogan’s passing on July 24, 2025, at his Clearwater, Florida home, Trump expressed his grief in a heartfelt message on Truth Social. Calling Hogan a “great friend,” Trump described him as strong, smart, and kind-hearted. “To his wife, Sky, and family, we send our deepest love. Hulk Hogan will be sorely missed,” Trump wrote.
Donald Trump Jr. also shared a tribute on X, keeping his message brief but meaningful.
Their friendship stretched over 35 years, beginning at a wrestling event in the late 1980s in Atlantic City. Hogan once won a major wrestling title at WrestleMania, hosted at Trump Plaza — a moment Trump witnessed from ringside. Over time, their relationship grew, mixing public appearances with personal camaraderie.
A photo dated October 23, 2024, posted by Sky Hogan, shows the couple with Trump, capturing the closeness they shared.
As tributes pour in, fans and fellow celebrities are reflecting on Hogan’s monumental influence on professional wrestling and pop culture.
The wrestling icon died from cardiac arrest at his home. Emergency responders arrived early Thursday morning and transported him by ambulance, ending a career that helped transform wrestling into mainstream entertainment.
In May, Hogan underwent a minor spinal fusion procedure to alleviate neck pain and was reportedly recovering well. Throughout his life, the star endured numerous surgeries — including back, knee, hip, and shoulder procedures — totaling over two dozen.
Despite recent concerns about his health, including a June radio rumor suggesting he was on the verge of death, Hogan’s reps had insisted he was stable. His wife Sky also denied those claims, assuring fans that he was recovering and doing well.
Hogan’s death is especially heartbreaking as it came just before the anticipated launch of the Real American Freestyle wrestling league. He had also recently collaborated with Real American Beer, promoting it with upbeat beach-themed content.
Hogan’s charismatic presence helped reshape professional wrestling, drawing in audiences of all ages. His fame even carried over into Hollywood, with film roles in Thunder in Paradise and a prominent place in the New World Order wrestling storyline of the 1990s.
In the 2000s, his personal life was featured on the reality show Hogan Knows Best, alongside his then-wife Linda and children, Brooke and Nick. He even made a cameo in Brooke’s music video.
Hogan remained connected to WWE throughout his career, continuing to impact the sport and its fans.
To Trump and others who knew him personally, his passing is a painful loss. For millions of fans, he will always be remembered as the larger-than-life hero who inspired generations.