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Trump Pays Tribute to Legendary Coach Lou Holtz After His Death
The former president honored the Notre Dame icon and his political support.
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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Former President Donald Trump paid tribute to legendary college football coach Lou Holtz, who passed away at the age of 89. Trump praised Holtz's accomplishments on the field, including leading Notre Dame's undefeated 1988 season, as well as his political support for Trump. The president awarded Holtz the Presidential Medal of Freedom near the end of his term.
Why it matters
Holtz was a prominent supporter of Trump and spoke at the 2020 Republican National Convention. The tribute highlights the close relationship between the former president and the legendary coach, who was known for his outspoken conservative views.
The details
In a Truth Social post, Trump called Holtz an "absolute WINNER both on and off the field" and praised his support "through thick and thin." Holtz led Notre Dame to an undefeated season in 1988, including a victory over Miami in the "Catholics vs. Convicts" game. Near the end of his presidency, Trump awarded Holtz the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
- Holtz passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
- Trump paid tribute to Holtz on Thursday, March 6, 2026.
The players
Donald Trump
The 45th President of the United States, who awarded Holtz the Presidential Medal of Freedom and praised his political support.
Lou Holtz
A legendary college football coach who led Notre Dame to an undefeated season in 1988 and was a vocal supporter of Trump.
What they’re saying
“The wonderful Lou Holtz passed away yesterday, so sad. Lou was an absolute WINNER both on and off the field. Not only did he spearhead Notre Dame's HISTORIC undefeated season in 1988 (including the legendary 31-30 'Catholics v. Convicts' Victory against Miami), he raised Millions upon Millions for struggling student-athletes, and the AMAZING University of Notre Dame (Go Irish!)”
— Donald Trump, Former President (Truth Social)
“It is for all this incredible work that I gave Lou Holtz our Nation's Highest Civilian Honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Rest in Peace, Lou. Because of Patriots like you, we have made America GREAT AGAIN!”
— Donald Trump, Former President (Truth Social)
What’s next
The University of Notre Dame is expected to hold a memorial service for Holtz in the coming days to honor his legacy.
The takeaway
Holtz's passing marks the end of an era for Notre Dame football and highlights the close political ties between the legendary coach and former President Trump, who awarded him the nation's highest civilian honor.
