Trump and Hogan's 1980s Alliance Lays Foundation for MAGA's Showbiz-Driven Political Strategy

Donald Trump and Hulk Hogan’s paths first crossed in the late 1980s at one of Trump’s Atlantic City hotels, marking the beginning of a decadeslong friendship rooted in their shared personas as larger-than-life figures in entertainment and politics [1]. Both rose to prominence in the 1980s, with Trump as a real estate mogul turned reality TV star and Hogan as a professional wrestler whose “Real American” persona mirrored Trump’s populist appeal. Their collaboration during this era helped elevate Trump’s Atlantic City ventures while solidifying Hogan’s status as a global icon. This early alliance laid the foundation for a political partnership that would later define key moments in the MAGA movement [1].

The bond between the two men evolved beyond entertainment into a political synergy. In 2024, Hogan delivered a dramatic speech at the Republican National Convention, tearing off his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance campaign T-shirt and declaring, “Let Trumpamania run wild brother. Let Trumpamania make America great again,” in response to the attempted assassination of Trump at a campaign rally [2]. This performance, echoing the theatricality of their 1980s collaboration, became a viral moment and underscored Hogan’s role as a MAGA icon. Trump, in turn, mourned his friend’s passing at 71, calling him “MAGA all the way” and praising his “electric” convention speech as a highlight of the event [4]. The White House account on X shared a photo of the two men in 2013, clasped in a wrestling-style embrace, with Trump’s sleeveless T-shirt bearing the campaign logo [4].

Hogan’s advocacy for Trump’s political brand was emblematic of their mutual emphasis on strength, patriotism, and showmanship. Their 1980s Atlantic City partnership, where Hogan’s wrestling events drew crowds to Trump’s hotel, mirrored their later political alignment [6]. This connection was not merely symbolic; it reflected a strategic blending of entertainment and politics. Trump’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013 further cemented the cross-promotion of their personas [1]. Analysts note that Hogan’s ability to merge physicality with political symbolism made him a unique figure in the MAGA movement, bridging the gap between pop culture and partisan activism [5].

The legacy of their collaboration extends beyond personal camaraderie. Hogan’s 2024 speech, like his 1980s wrestling persona, relied on theatricality to communicate messages of resilience and defiance. This approach resonated with MAGA’s identity, which thrives on anti-establishment rhetoric and unapologetic self-promotion. However, the durability of such alliances depends on evolving public sentiment, as evidenced by the widespread tributes following Hogan’s death. Figures like Trump and JD Vance highlighted his impact on both wrestling and politics, signaling the deep entanglement of entertainment and political branding in modern campaigns [4].

The intersection of Trump and Hogan’s careers illustrates the power of persona in shaping political movements. Their 1980s collaboration and 2024 political alignment demonstrate how entertainment can amplify political messaging, creating a feedback loop that sustains both cultural and political influence. As the MAGA movement continues, the example of Hogan’s unyielding support—rooted in decades of shared spectacle and symbolism—remains a testament to the enduring fusion of showbiz and politics [1].

Sources:

[1] [Fortune] [https://fortune.com/2025/07/25/how-did-hulk-hogan-donald-trump-meet-maga-real-american/]

[2] [NewsBreak] [https://www.newsbreak.com/new-york-post-509648/4131****83609-hulk-hogan-became-one-of-trump-s-biggest-supporters-at-rnc-2024-after-dumping-the-democrats-over-a-petty-slight]

[4] [LBC] [https://www.lbc.co.uk/world-news/donald-trump-tributes-hulk-hogan/]

[5] [The Canadian Press] [https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainment/hulk-hogan-icon-in-professional-wrestling-dies-at-age-71/article_ce65867e-bd95-5ba9-8541-ecccb1433886.html]

[6] [WRBL] [https://www.wrbl.com/news/politics/ap-politics/ap-trump-and-hulk-hogan-forged-a-decadeslong-bond-based-on-wrestling-reality-stardom-and-politics/]