President Donald Trump has shared a heartfelt tribute following the death of professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan on July 24, 2025, in his home in Clearwater, Florida. Trump called him a great friend and remembered their decades-long bond.

Trump wrote on Truth Social, “We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart,” adding, “To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”

Donald Trump Jr. also paid tribute on X, posting a brief but poignant message.

The two men shared a personal friendship that spanned more than 35 years. Their connection was rooted in the larger-than-life world of professional wrestling. It also extended into years of public camaraderie and private friendship.

Trump and the man who popularized the name Hulkamania first met at a wrestling event in the late 1980s, held in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The meeting marked the beginning of their decades-long friendship. The WWE icon also recalled winning the wrestling world title at a WrestleMania event at the Trump Plaza hotel and casino in Atlantic City, where Trump sat ringside.

The news of Hogan’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and celebrities, mourning the loss of a figure who helped shape modern wrestling culture.

While Trump’s tribute highlights their bond, a closer look at the legend’s life and career shows just how deeply he influenced the world of wrestling and entertainment.

The legendary figure who helped catapult professional wrestling into mainstream culture died following a cardiac arrest at his home. The WWE icon’s sudden passing ends a transformative career that redefined the sport and left a permanent mark on global entertainment.

According to TMZ Sports, emergency responders were dispatched to Hogan’s Florida residence around dawn on Thursday. He was carried into an ambulance shortly afterward.

This sudden event comes months after he underwent a successful “little fusion procedure” in May to find some relief for his neck issues. According to a representative, the wrestling star didn’t need much recovery time and was making a “quick turnaround.”

Hogan was no stranger to surgeries. In 2024, he even revealed to Logan Paul on the “Impaulsive” podcast that he’d gone through as many as 25 procedures in the previous decade. “I’ve had 10 back surgeries,” he added. “Both knees and both hips replaced, shoulders — everything.”

Unfortunately, several rumors about his condition had circulated since, especially after he was hospitalized for neck issues.

On June 18, local radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge claimed on air that Hogan’s health was so dire that family members were being called to say their goodbyes.

While he acknowledged that his source might be outdated, he vehemently trusted this insider. Naturally, the statement sparked widespread concern.

TMZ Sports quickly pushed back on the report, citing a representative who said Hogan wasn’t “close to death” and had only been hospitalized for lingering neck and back issues. According to the rep, the wrestling star was already moving around again and managing the same ailments he had dealt with for years.

Additionally, a few weeks ago, his wife, Sky Daily Hogan, had refuted claims that her husband was in a coma, adding that even after several heart surgeries, he was doing well.

The news comes as a heavy blow to fans, especially with the launch of the new Real American Freestyle league expected this summer.

He had also partnered with brands like Real American Beer, which recently shared an image of Hogan’s on a beach towel spread out on the sand. The post had the caption, “Beach day sponsored by brotherhood.”

Hogan changed the face of professional wrestling with his wild personality, turning it into a family sport that reached wider audiences. He was adored by children and their parents alike. Eventually, he made it into Hollywood.

In the 1990s, he appeared in the film “Thunder in Paradise” and its two sequels. Furthermore, in 1996, he created the New World Order, which earned him more fame.

In the 2000s, the WWE Hall of Famer and his family, including ex-wife Linda Hogan and his children, Brooke and Nick Hogan, starred in the reality television show “Hogan Knows Best.” He even played a janitor in his daughter’s music video for “Everything to Me.”

Still, he always remained a fixture for the WWE. At this time, we offer our sincere condolences to Hogan’s loved ones and his fans all over the world.

For Trump and many others who called him a friend, the loss is deeply personal. For the millions who grew up watching him, cheering for him, and believing in his larger-than-life spirit, Hogan will forever be remembered as the ultimate champion of hearts.