Trump Greeted By Cheers, ‘USA!’ Chants, Boos At NCAA Event — And ‘Anti-Fascist Tailgate’ Outside

President Donald Trump was greeted by wildly cheering and chanting fans at the 2025 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s Wrestling Championships, as well as some boos and an “anti-fascist tailgate” outside the arena.

In the middle of March Madness, Trump attended a different NCAA event this weekend, telling reporters as he departed the White House “I’ve always supported the wrestlers, so I want to support them.”

Trump arrived at the Wells Fargo Center just after 7 pm, and according to a pool report was greeted by a packed crowd:

The arena appears to be filled to the brim.

The crowd erupted when the president made his entrance at 7:19 pm.

Potus waved and pumped his fist to chants of “USA! USA!”

He then took his seat in the first row and the pool was led out of the arena at 7:22 pm. We are holding nearby.

Trump was seated with Karoline Leavitt, Susie Wiles, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Elon Musk, Dina Powell, and Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA).

But according to local media and Fox News, it wasn’t all cheering. Fox News digital noted that amid the cheers and chants “A few fans booed when Trump walked in.”

Local NBC affiliate WCAU reported there was an “anti-fascist tailgate” outside the arena as well as other anti-Trump protesters — and a “smaller” group of pro-Trump demonstrators. From morning anchor Brenna Weick:

BRENNA WEICK: It’s clean-up time at the Wells Fargo Center after the NCAA Wrestling Championships. The event wrapped up last night with a visit from President Trump. The visit was met with both praise and protest.

(CHEERS).

That was the reaction from the crowd in South Philadelphia last night as the president made his entrance. He sat alongside Tesla CEO Elon Musk and U.S. Senator Dave McCormick.

Outside the arena, several dozen people protested against the president’s visit.

There was a smaller counter-protest with those who say they support President Trump and his administration.

Back inside, wrestling fans say this was something they couldn’t miss.

FAN: If I had to bet, I don’t think it will come back until he’s out of high school, probably 10, 11, 12 years from now. So to be able to get to experience this with him is like I said, once in a lifetime.

BRENNA WEICK: It had been 14 years since the NCAA Wrestling Championships were held here in Philadelphia. The event was expected to draw as many as 100,000 fans to the city.

Watch above via NBC Philadelphia.