Long before Hulk Hogan became a worldwide wrestling legend, he was a close friend of President Donald Trump — and his recent passing has struck a deep chord of sorrow both personally and globally.
Following the wrestling icon’s death at his Clearwater, Florida home on July 24, 2025, President Trump shared a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on their decades of friendship and remembering Hogan as a truly terrific buddy.
On Truth Social, President Trump paid a heartfelt tribute: “We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.” He continued, “To his wife, Sky, and family, we send our warmest wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be deeply missed!”
Donald Trump Jr. also shared a brief but touching remembrance on X, honoring the wrestling legend’s legacy.
Spanning more than 35 years, the friendship between Donald Trump and Hulk Hogan was as enduring as it was unique. Their bond was forged in the high-energy, larger-than-life world of professional wrestling, and it blossomed into a lasting connection both in the public eye and behind the scenes.
Trump first crossed paths with the man who popularized “Hulkamania” during a wrestling event in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in the late 1980s. That meeting marked the beginning of a decades-long friendship.
One unforgettable highlight came at WrestleMania, held at Trump Plaza hotel and casino in Atlantic City, where Trump sat ringside while Hogan clinched the wrestling world title — a moment etched into both their memories.
The passing of Hulk Hogan, a towering figure in modern wrestling culture, has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and celebrities alike.
A closer look at his life and legacy reveals the profound impact he had not only on wrestling but also on the broader entertainment world — a legacy underscored by President Trump’s heartfelt tribute highlighting their personal bond.
Hogan, the iconic superstar who helped bring professional wrestling into the mainstream, died unexpectedly at home following a heart arrest. His sudden loss marks the end of a groundbreaking career that transformed the sport and left an indelible mark on global entertainment.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, emergency responders rushed to Hulk Hogan’s Florida residence, TMZ Sports reported. Shortly afterward, he was transported by ambulance to receive urgent care.
This sudden emergency came just months after Hogan underwent a successful “little fusion procedure” in May to treat ongoing neck issues. According to a spokesman, the wrestling legend was on the mend and expected a “quick turnaround.”
Hogan was no stranger to medical challenges. During a 2024 appearance on Logan Paul’s “Impaulsive” podcast, he revealed he had endured as many as 25 surgeries over the past decade. “I’ve had 10 back surgeries,” he shared, “both knees and both hips replaced, shoulders — everything.”
Despite this resilience, rumors about his health persisted, especially following a recent hospital stay related to his neck problems.
On June 18, local radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge sparked concern when he announced on-air that Hulk Hogan’s condition was so dire, family members were being contacted to say their goodbyes.
Though he acknowledged his source might not have been fully up to date, his statement caused widespread alarm among fans and the wrestling community.
However, TMZ Sports quickly debunked the rumors, quoting a spokesman who assured the public that Hogan was not “close to death.” The representative explained that Hogan had been hospitalized for ongoing back and neck issues but was already up and moving, continuing to manage the chronic health challenges he had faced for years.
Additionally, Hogan’s wife, Sky Daily Hogan, dismissed recent rumors that her husband was in a coma, reassuring everyone that he was doing well despite undergoing multiple heart procedures.
Fans across the world are heartbroken by the news, especially as the new Real American Freestyle league was set to make its debut this summer.
Among Hogan’s recent collaborations was with Real American Beer, which shared a photo of him relaxing on a beach blanket with the caption, “Beach day sponsored by brotherhood.”
With his larger-than-life personality, Hogan transformed professional wrestling into a family-friendly spectacle that captivated audiences of all ages—winning the hearts of both kids and parents alike. His success extended beyond the ring and into Hollywood.
In the 1990s, he starred in the cult-favorite series Thunder in Paradise and its two follow-ups. Hogan also cemented his legacy in 1996 by founding the groundbreaking faction, the New World Order (nWo), forever changing the wrestling landscape.
In the 2000s, the WWE Hall of Famer and his family—including ex-wife Linda Hogan and children Brooke and Nick Hogan—starred in the reality series Hogan Knows Best. He even made a memorable cameo as a janitor in his daughter Brooke’s music video for “Everything to Me.”
Despite his ventures beyond wrestling, Hogan remained a beloved and enduring figure in the WWE universe.
At this difficult time, we extend our deepest sympathies to Hogan’s family and his global legion of fans.
For President Trump and countless others who called him a friend, this loss is deeply personal. To the millions who grew up watching, cheering, and believing in him, Hulk Hogan will forever be remembered as the greatest champion of hearts — an icon whose extraordinary spirit transcended the ring.