UCLA Women’s Basketball: Trump Hasn’t Acknowledged NCAA Championship Win
The UCLA women’s basketball team recently made headlines after winning the NCAA championship. However, they have yet to receive congratulations from President Donald Trump. This was revealed during their appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on April 7, 2026.
UCLA Women’s Basketball Team Celebrates NCAA Championship
Members of the championship team, including Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, Angela Dugalic, Lauren Betts, and head coach Cori Close, spoke about the significance of their victory. The team triumphed over the South Carolina Gamecocks just two days prior to their Kimmel appearance.
Responses from the Team
During the show, Kiki Rice mentioned that they had not heard from President Trump since winning the championship. This sparked laughter from the audience as host Jimmy Kimmel joked that they might hear from him “in two weeks,” referencing a recent announcement regarding a ceasefire agreement with Iran.
- Kiki Rice: “We have not heard from him.”
- Jimmy Kimmel: Joked about a fake trophy for the White House visit.
Kimmel humorously presented a fake trophy, advising the team to bring it along if they receive an invitation to meet the president. This light-hearted moment resonated with viewers and highlighted the team’s joy amidst the lack of acknowledgment from the current administration.
Contrast with Previous Leadership
The team noted that former President Barack Obama congratulated them, which the players received enthusiastically. Close cleverly remarked that “everybody makes mistakes” in reference to Obama’s previous prediction that UCLA would lose.
Public Engagement and Honors
Before their media appearance, the UCLA Bruins celebrated their victory with a series of public engagements. On April 7, coach Cori Close spoke on the Today show, reflecting on the honor of coaching the team. She emphasized the invaluable experiences gained throughout the NCAA tournament that culminated in their championship success.
On the same day, the team was honored at a Los Angeles Lakers game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. They showcased their NCAA championship trophy and donned custom jerseys during the event.
Public Inquiry
El-Balad has reached out to the White House for confirmation regarding President Trump’s acknowledgment of the UCLA women’s basketball team’s achievement. This inquiry also extends to the men’s national champions, the University of Michigan, which was recognized by Trump earlier.
The ongoing celebrations reflect not just a significant sports achievement but also the team’s prominence within the public sphere, raising questions about recognition from political figures.
