In a statement that is already dividing the nation, former President Donald Trump has once again placed himself at the center of controversy—this time, surrounding the death of wrestling legend and long-time friend Hulk Hogan. Speaking to reporters just 30 minutes ago during an impromptu press briefing in Florida, Trump stunned the crowd when asked to comment on Hogan’s passing.
“There’s nothing to be sad about,” Trump said, waving his hand dismissively. “Let things happen naturally. If he was alive at that time, well, who knows what could have been different.”
The ambiguity and tone of the comment have ignited a firestorm online. Critics are accusing Trump of being insensitive, dismissive, and even cryptic. Within moments, hashtags like #HulkDeservedBetter and #TrumpColdHearted were trending across social media platforms. Some fans even took the remark as a bizarre insinuation that Hogan’s death was preventable—or worse, that it somehow served a greater purpose.
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Eugene Bollea, passed away just hours earlier under what insiders are calling “unexpected but not suspicious circumstances.” Though details remain limited, sources close to the family have confirmed that Hogan had been battling multiple health complications in recent years, including heart problems and complications from past surgeries.
Trump’s relationship with Hogan spanned decades. The two had publicly expressed mutual admiration over the years, appearing together in interviews and events, particularly during Trump’s time hosting WrestleMania appearances in the early 2000s. Hogan even endorsed Trump during the 2016 election campaign, calling him “a fighter like no other.” Trump, in turn, had often referred to Hogan as “a true American icon” and “a great, great guy.”
Which is why today’s remark was so unexpected.
While some of Trump’s most loyal supporters have defended the comment as being “philosophical” or “spiritual,” others see it as yet another instance of Trump making everything about himself. MSNBC commentator Joy Reid said, “This was a moment to mourn a beloved figure, and once again Trump made it about hypothetical timelines and cryptic nonsense.”
Others are speculating what Trump meant by “if he was alive at that time.” Was he referring to a specific event? A decision? Was there a hint of regret—or some underlying story the public isn’t yet aware of?
Fox News contributor and longtime Trump ally Tucker Carlson offered a different take, saying: “Trump has always viewed death in a very pragmatic way. He doesn’t like to dwell on loss. I think he meant that had Hogan lived to see what’s coming, maybe he would’ve played a role. Who knows?”
Meanwhile, fans of Hogan have been flooding tribute pages with messages of love and respect for the wrestling icon. One particularly emotional post reads, “You gave us your strength, your energy, your roar. No one will ever wear red and yellow the way you did. Rest easy, champ.” Many of those same fans expressed dismay at Trump’s lack of warmth in a moment they expected him to show vulnerability.
Back in the wrestling world, WWE has issued a formal statement: “We are devastated by the loss of our Hall of Famer, Hulk Hogan. He was more than an icon—he was the heartbeat of an era. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans around the globe.”
As for Trump, he has yet to clarify or expand on his comment. His office declined to issue a follow-up statement, and instead directed reporters to the full video of the exchange, which is already being dissected frame by frame across the internet.
Whether Trump’s words were misunderstood, poorly chosen, or deliberately enigmatic, one thing is clear: at a time when millions are mourning a childhood hero, the former President has once again found himself in a storm of his own making. And for those who expected heartfelt remembrance from one of Hogan’s closest public allies, what they got instead was something colder—something that, depending on your view of Trump, was either profoundly honest or shockingly detached.
