In a year that’s been relatively predictable, almost everyone’s NCAA Tournament bracket has taken a hit after the first weekend. However, the 45th and 47th President, Donald Trump, did not fill out a bracket at all. When Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy asked about it, Trump humorously admitted he hadn’t made one, suggesting he could still do it retroactively.
“I didn’t, I should have,” Trump said on Friday, according to Mediaite. “Have there been upsets, a couple, right?”
“Did you fill out a NCAA March Madness bracket?”
TRUMP: “I didn’t. I should have. Have there been upsets? A couple, right?”
“Too late now?”
TRUMP: “A little bit late. I could give you one. But maybe backdate it, right?” pic.twitter.com/ozN0SmYS0X
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) March 21, 2025
There are many opinions on bracket etiquette—like Mike & Mike’s “Sheet of Integrity” motto—highlighting that getting your bracket submitted before the first round’s opening game (excluding the First Four) is a must. Trump’s apparent lack of interest in joining a March Madness pool stands in stark contrast to his predecessor, Barack Obama, who famously completed an annual bracket throughout his presidency and continues to do so.
This year’s NCAA Tournament has seen its fair share of limited surprises, with the Sweet 16 featuring four No. 1 seeds, three No. 2 seeds, two No. 3 seeds, three No. 4 seeds, one No. 5 seed, two No. 6 seeds, and one No. 10 seed. According to NCAA.com, not a single perfect bracket remains on major online platforms. If Trump decides to fill one out retroactively, he might want to include a couple of misses.
