- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Trump Pays Tribute to Legendary Football Coach Lou Holtz After His Death
The former president praised Holtz's historic 1988 undefeated season and awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Former President Donald Trump paid tribute to legendary Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz, who passed away at the age of 89. Trump praised Holtz's historic undefeated season with Notre Dame in 1988 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom he awarded Holtz near the end of his presidency. Holtz was a known supporter of Trump and spoke at the 2020 Republican National Convention.
Why it matters
Holtz's passing marks the end of an era for Notre Dame football and the loss of a prominent conservative voice in college sports. Trump's tribute highlights the close relationship between the former president and the legendary coach, who was outspoken in his support for Trump.
The details
In a Truth Social post, Trump called Holtz an "absolute WINNER both on and off the field," praising his undefeated 1988 season with Notre Dame and his work raising money for student-athletes. Trump also noted Holtz's support for him "through thick and thin" and his criticism of "Democrat Insanity." Near the end of his presidency, Trump awarded Holtz the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
- Lou Holtz passed away on March 5, 2026 at the age of 89.
- In February 2024, Holtz said Trump needed to "coach America back to greatness!"
- Trump awarded Holtz the Presidential Medal of Freedom near the end of his first term, shortly after losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden.
The players
Donald Trump
The 45th President of the United States who awarded Lou Holtz the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Lou Holtz
A legendary college football coach who led Notre Dame to an undefeated season in 1988 and was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump.
Joe Biden
The 46th President of the United States who defeated Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election.
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, 45th President of the United States (Truth Social)
“It's the highest honor or award you could possibly receive, and I receive it with mixed emotions. First of all, I'm humbled. There are many more people far worthy than me, I can assure you.”
— Lou Holtz, Legendary Notre Dame Football Coach (Fox & Friends)
What’s next
The legacy of Lou Holtz and his close relationship with former President Trump will likely continue to be discussed and debated in the coming weeks and months.
The takeaway
Holtz's passing marks the end of an era for Notre Dame football and the loss of a prominent conservative voice in college sports. Trump's tribute highlights the close relationship between the former president and the legendary coach, who was outspoken in his support for Trump.
