In a celebratory ceremony, President Trump welcomed the Indiana Hoosiers football team to the White House following their victory in the national championship. Despite the excitement, star quarterback Fernando Mendoza was notably absent from the event due to obligations with the Raiders, although he did call Trump ahead of the visit to explain his absence, expressing his support for the team. Trump remarked on Mendoza’s dedication, stating he is a ‘big fan’ and expressed disbelief at the number of former Indiana players now in NFL camps. The celebration included remarks honoring head coach Curt Cignetti and a gift of custom Hoosiers gear presented to Trump by the team.