In an emotionally charged on-air appearance that left viewers visibly moved, Karoline Leavitt — national spokesperson for President Donald J. Trump’s 2024 campaign — paid a heartfelt tribute to the late WWE legend Hulk Hogan, whose sudden passing at age 71 has rocked the nation.
Appearing on a primetime segment of America First Tonight, Leavitt was scheduled to discuss upcoming campaign events, but the show quickly took a different turn after news broke of Hogan’s death earlier that day. As a montage of Hogan’s career highlights played on screen
— from his epic WrestleMania matches to his patriotic promos in red, white, and blue — the camera cut to Leavitt, her eyes brimming with tears.
“Today,” she began slowly, voice quivering, “we didn’t just lose a wrestling legend. We lost a warrior for freedom. A man who, in and out of the ring, stood tall for everything we believe in — God, country, and courage.”
Leavitt paused, composing herself. “Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a sports icon. He was a voice for the unheard, a man who stood up for America and fearlessly supported President Trump and the MAGA movement. He didn’t apologize for loving his country. He wore his values like he wore his bandana — proudly, defiantly, and in full color.”
Indeed, Hogan — born Terry Bollea — was more than just a professional wrestler. To millions of Americans who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, he was a symbol of good triumphing over evil, of strength rooted in faith, and of unwavering patriotism. His larger-than-life persona in the WWE was matched only by his passionate speeches outside the ring, where he often spoke about faith, family, and freedom.
Leavitt recalled her own childhood, watching Hogan with her brothers on grainy VHS tapes. “He wasn’t just entertainment,” she said. “He was hope. He was someone we looked up to when so much around us felt uncertain. In many ways, he was one of the first heroes I ever had.”
Throughout the tribute, she emphasized how Hogan represented a kind of American spirit that she believes is fading in today’s divided political landscape. “We live in a time when strength is called toxic, and faith is mocked. But Hulk stood tall against all of it. He reminded us that loving your country is not a crime, and that courage is contagious.”
The cause of Hogan’s death — reported as complications from long-term cardiovascular issues — only deepened the heartbreak for fans. Despite his health battles in recent years, Hogan continued to make public appearances, support veterans’ causes, and speak out in favor of constitutional values and conservative principles.
Leavitt ended her tribute with a final reflection, her voice cracking with emotion.
“Hulk Hogan embodied everything we’re fighting to preserve in this country. He didn’t just entertain us — he inspired us. And even though he’s gone, his legacy will live on in every American who dares to believe in something bigger than themselves.”
She then looked directly into the camera and added, “Rest easy, Hulk. The fight goes on — and we’ll carry your banner forward.”
As the segment faded to black, Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” began playing faintly in the background, and social media lit up with tributes. One post captured the national sentiment perfectly: “He dropped the leg on communism, body-slammed fear, and suplexed doubt. Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a legend — he was America in boots and a bandana.”
For Karoline Leavitt and countless others, Hogan’s passing marks the end of an era — but also a call to continue the fight for the values he championed, both in the ring and far beyond it.
