Hulk Hogan gave one of the 2024 RNC’s most memorable speeches last November when he tore off his shirt and declared, “let Trumpmania run wild, brother!” The full-throated endorsement of his longtime pal President Trump came after he ditched the Democrats over a petty slight by former President Barack Obama. The pro wrestling legend, who died on Thursday in Florida at the age of 71, made an iconic appearance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, ripping off his tank top to reveal a “Trump/Vance” tank underneath.
The wrestler endorsed Trump in an unforgettable speech at the Republican National Convention.
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The roaring endorsement came just days after Trump was shot on stage by a would-be assassin in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“As an entertainer, I try to stay out of politics. But after everything that’s happened to our country over the past four years, and everything that happened last weekend, I can no longer stay silent,” Hogan told the rapt delegates as he introduced Trump.
The roaring endorsement came just days after Trump was shot on stage by a would-be assassin in Butler, Pennsylvania“I’ve been in the ring with some of the biggest, some of the baddest dudes on the planet,” Hogan said. “I know tough guys, but let me tell you something, brother, Donald Trump is the toughest of them all.” The White House paid tribute following the news, with spokesperson Harrison Fields sharing a picture of Hogan on X, captioning it, “Rest In Peace, BROTHER.”
Hogan, real name Terry Bollea, previously supported Obama, before a public falling-out in 2011.
The wrestler was furious when the Democrat used his theme song, “Real American,” for his entrance at that year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
“I know tough guys, but let me tell you something, brother, Donald Trump is the toughest of them all,” Hogan said about Trump.
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“I kind was a little upset that he didn’t ask me permission to use my music,” Hogan told “Fox and Friends” in October, 2011.
“I was a big Obama supporter and kind, like, believed everything he said he was gonna do,” Hogan said, before adding that he had had a change of heart “now that nothing’s happened.”
In 2012, Hogan endorsed Republican Mitt Romney for president, praising his and Paul Ryan’s ticket for offering “a fresh start” to America.
Hogan also attacked Obama for his infamous “you didn’t build that” remarks, made during a 2012 election campaign speech in Virginia and which were seen as attacking small business owners.
“I had a tough time with that one. That goes against everything I feel, know and love about this country,” Hogan said.
