WASHINGTON — In a memorable yet awkward moment during the Ohio State football team's visit to the White House, Vice President JD Vance ended the celebration by fumbling the team's prestigious national championship trophy. The event was marked by enthusiastic speeches from President Donald Trump, Buckeye coach Ryan Day, and Vance himself, all taking place on the South Lawn of the White House.
As a proud alumnus of Ohio State University, Vice President Vance was eager to showcase the national championship trophy. However, he was caught off guard by the trophy's unique design, which features a golden top that separates from its black base. In an unfortunate turn of events, Vance struggled to maintain his grip on the trophy and ultimately lost control of it. The top piece of the trophy, shaped like a football, was caught by OSU running back TreVeyon Henderson, who was standing right behind the Vice President. Meanwhile, the base of the trophy tumbled to the ground, prompting Vance to scramble after it as it rolled a short distance away.
The scene was one of mixed emotions, as some players in attendance winced at the sight, while the United States Marine Corps Band played “We Are the Champions,” competing with audible gasps from the audience. In a show of camaraderie, Henderson and Day assisted Vance in reassembling the trophy, which resulted in the Vice President eventually holding just the top piece, cradling it in his arms while laughter erupted from the surrounding players.
Almost immediately, videos and images of Vance's fumble went viral across social media platforms, prompting the Vice President to take a light-hearted approach to the incident. He humorously remarked on X, “I didn’t want anyone after Ohio State to get the trophy so I decided to break it,” showcasing his ability to self-deprecate amidst a lighthearted moment.
President Trump also took the opportunity to commend the Ohio State team for their remarkable achievement in winning the 2024 college football championship despite facing significant challenges, including a surprising upset loss to unranked Michigan with a score of 13-10 during a home game in November. Trump acknowledged the team’s resilience but playfully refrained from elaborating on OSU’s fourth consecutive defeat to “the team up north,” saying, “we won’t talk about it.”
Before the trophy mishap, Vice President Vance cleverly addressed the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan, pointing out a member of the audience wearing a Michigan hat. “I don’t know who let the guy over in the corner here, in a Michigan hat, into this celebration,” Vance joked. “But I’m about to tell the Secret Service, ‘You’ve got a dangerous weapon, sir.’” Such remarks highlighted the light-hearted spirit of the event while also emphasizing the ongoing rivalry that is central to college football culture.
