Former President Donald Trump was a prominent figure at Saturday’s football game between Iowa and Iowa State.
Before the match began at 3:30 ET, Trump seized the opportunity to engage with the locals in Iowa.
At 77, Trump was seen mingling and grilling burgers with fans at a tailgate event.
As he made his way into the stadium, an overwhelming number of spectators surrounded him, breaking into spirited “USA” chants.
Before the game started, chants of “four more years” were also heard in his direction. Additionally, he made a visit to the Alpha Gamma Rho agricultural fraternity.
Ahead of the weekend game, Matt Whitaker, Trump’s former acting attorney general, mentioned in a press statement to the Des Moines Register, “We’re delighted to have Donald J. Trump at the Iowa vs. Iowa State football match. President Trump previously attended this game in 2015 and recalls the unmatched energy and enthusiasm of the supporters.”
Jack Whitver, an ex-Cyclones wide receiver and now the Iowa Senate majority leader, remarked about Trump’s visit, “A multitude of Iowans will come together to support and celebrate their favorite team. I’m honored that President Trump is here to experience one of the most riveting rivalries in college football.”
Recently, Trump declared his innocence regarding charges related to election interference in Georgia.
The game was noteworthy, marking the first since a betting investigation impacted both institutions, leading to allegations against several players, predominantly from the Cyclones.
This game signifies the 70th time the Hawkeyes and Cyclones have faced each other.
Both teams started the 2023 college football season with victories; Iowa triumphed over Utah State, while Iowa State defeated Northern Iowa.
Last year, the Cyclones managed a win against Iowa, ending a six-game losing streak, and had the honor of hosting this year’s game.
WATCH:
IOWA IS TRUMP COUNTRY!!!🥳🥳🥳 pic.twitter.com/G7111DdeFV
— il Donaldo Trumpo (@PapiTrumpo) September 9, 2023
