The President described the Gators' 2024-25 season as a monumental achievement, declaring it "One for the history books." He praised the team's grit, noting, "All these close games against great teams, [but] you kept winning and never let up when the odds were against you."

Indeed, the team's trip to D.C. was the latest recognition of the impressive accomplishments of the squad, notably its leaders: Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, and Alijah Martin. Trump highlighted each player individually for their crucial, heroic moments. Joining the President on stage were dignitaries, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and even Tim Tebow, among others.

The President cited:

Richard's game-winning layup with five seconds remaining, which capped a 14-point comeback victory against South Carolina. Looking for the player, Trump remarked, "Where are you, Will? Oh. He's a good-looking guy."

Clayton's remarkable scoring spree throughout the NCAA Tournament. The President joked, "I hear he's really good … really rich, too." Clayton shook his head, suggesting, "Not yet," as the NBA Draft was still weeks away.

Martin's pivotal free throws that secured the lead in the final minute of the national-championship game versus Houston. When asked, "Were you nervous?" Martin simply replied, "No."

Additionally, sophomore forward Thomas Haugh earned a special mention for his 20-point, 11-rebound effort off the bench during the Elite Eight win against Texas Tech.

"He has good hair," the President remarked about Haugh’s signature blonde style.

After more praise for the team and Coach Golden (with Trump stating, "Oh, I'd like to be his agent."), the President concluded the event with a final message:

"All I can say is, 'Go Gators!' We love you in Florida."

That sentiment drew a noticeable reaction from the audience.

It was an extraordinary day and an unforgettable experience. As he departed, Martin gave a simple review: "Thumbs up."

Despite facing several logistical hurdles, the team successfully executed the trip. A chartered flight departed from Gainesville around 7:30 a.m. However, over half of the players had to arrange flights the previous Tuesday evening from various distant locations, including some where they were attending NBA workouts. This ensured they could meet the traveling party for pickup at their downtown hotel mid-morning.

Inclement weather forced the cancellation of a planned sightseeing walk on the National Mall. Instead, the Gators proceeded to the U.S. Capitol Building, where Florida Congresswoman Kat Cammack guided their tour. She led the group through the lower levels of the building for a short subway trip, during which they encountered fellow Florida Congressman Byron Donalds, who has announced his campaign for governor in 2026.

"I'm a Florida State Seminole, but congratulations," Donalds told the victorious team. "Enjoy the tour."

Walter Clayton Jr., known for his intense rivalry with FSU, immediately countered the greeting:

"We rolled you guys this year," Clayton shot back. "That was part of the tour."

The tour also featured a brief interaction with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. He paused his work on the "Big, Beautiful Bill" to greet the team, spending a few moments chatting about his time as an LSU student during the era of Shaquille O'Neal and Chris Jackson, before returning to his duties.

The team was guided through various historical locations, including the Capitol rotunda. Tourists often stopped and stared in amazement as the Gators walked by—a reaction amplified by the presence of 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rioux.

“You really start to appreciate the fervor our fans in the D.C. region have for the Gators,” remarked UF Athletic Director Scott Stricklin. “There’s a shared emotion that unites people across political divides when they see Coach Golden and the players touring the Capitol; they all want to convey how meaningful that championship was.”

Following the tour, the squad attended a luncheon co-hosted by Congresswoman Kat Cammack (a Republican) and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (a Democrat and proud double-degree Gator alumnus).

"We are proof that Democrats and Republicans can collaborate, particularly when we share the common tie of the Gators," Wasserman Schultz stated. "I believe we can learn from this Florida basketball team. Your incredible unity, backing each other completely, sticking together, and persevering—those are the amazing qualities that powered you to win this national championship."

After a second brief round through the Capitol, the team boarded their bus, complete with a police escort, and headed to the White House. Following standard security screening, the team was met in the entrance hallway by a stunning acoustic performance (featuring a guitar and violin) of "I Won't Back Down."

Outside the East Room, the five-piece President's Marine Band provided musical accompaniment, performing "We Are the Champions" and "We Are the Boys from Ol' Florida" as the team arrived for a brief walk-through before the official presidential ceremony.

Approximately 90 minutes later, the players formally entered the East Room to the tune of the Gator fight song, followed by the UF alma mater. Moments after their entrance, "Hail to the Chief" began to play.

Just as the ceremony concluded, President Trump extended a personal invitation for the team to join him in the Oval Office afterward. He then shared a quick exchange he'd had with Coach Golden earlier that day:

"Coach believes he will have another magnificent team next season as well," Trump announced.

And Coach Golden certainly does. With that ambitious goal in mind, the team's motto is now unofficially "Make A Gator (White House visit) Again."

Email senior writer Chris Harry at chrish@gators.ufl.edu.