Trump Makes Surprise Appearance at Iowa College Football Game
Former President Donald Trump made quite a splash at Saturday’s Iowa-Iowa State college football game, rekindling some old college memories along the way.
President @realDonaldTrump flipping burgers at Iowa State University! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/hUjBVEFeoW
— Margo Martin (@margommartin) September 9, 2023
The game, a highly anticipated match, kicked off at 3:30 ET, leaving Trump with some time to mingle with fans before the showdown.
At the tailgate, the 77-year-old Trump was spotted flipping burgers, adding a touch of nostalgia to the pre-game festivities.
President @realDonaldTrump arrives at Jack Trice Stadium! pic.twitter.com/uihKKazQ14
— Margo Martin (@margommartin) September 9, 2023
Inside the stadium, Trump was greeted by an exuberant crowd that erupted into raucous “USA” chants as he made his entrance. The former President also found himself on the receiving end of a “four more years” chant from enthusiastic supporters. During his visit, Trump also dropped by the Alpha Gamma Rho agricultural fraternity.
“We’re thrilled to invite Donald J. Trump to the Iowa vs. Iowa State football game this weekend,” said Matt Whitaker, Trump’s former acting attorney general, in a press release. “President Trump attended this game in 2015 and remembers the incredible passion and electricity of the fans.”
IOWA IS TRUMP COUNTRY!!!🥳🥳🥳 pic.twitter.com/G7111DdeFV
— il Donaldo Trumpo (@PapiTrumpo) September 9, 2023
Jack Whitver, a former Cyclones wide receiver who is now the Iowa Senate majority leader, also commented on Trump’s visit to the Hawkeye State. “Tens of thousands of Iowans will gather to tailgate and cheer on their favorite team,” Whitver said. “I’m proud to have President Trump witness the greatest rivalry in college sports.”
This appearance comes at a time when Trump has recently pleaded not guilty to charges related to his election interference case in Georgia.
The “Cy-Hawk” game has garnered particular attention this year due to an ongoing gambling probe that has affected both schools, resulting in charges against several current and former players, primarily from the Cyclones. Saturday’s matchup marks the 70th meeting between the Hawkeyes and Cyclones.
Both Iowa and Iowa State kicked off the 2023 college football season with victories, with the Hawkeyes defeating Utah State and the Cyclones triumphing over Northern Iowa. As the host, the Cyclones are looking to build on their victory over Iowa in 2022, ending a six-game losing streak in the series.
