President Donald Trump had an awkward moment at the White House this week when he appeared to forget the name of Indiana Hoosiers head football coach Curt Cignetti—while standing right next to him. The president was welcoming the 2025 national champions to celebrate their historic undefeated season and first-ever national title.
"There's no story like this," Trump said, praising the team. "The Hoosiers delivered the program's first-ever undefeated, untied season and capped it off with a first-ever national title. That's amazing. Good job, fellas, a lot of muscle out there."
But things got a little confusing when Trump tried to give Cignetti his due. "The National Signing Day—think of this—the press conference in 2023 shortly after joining Indiana, Curt—who's Curt?—Curt Cignetti. Where is Curt Cignetti?" the president asked, scanning the room.
"Right here," Cignetti replied, standing just over Trump's shoulder.
After a brief "Huh? Oh," Trump gave the coach a pat on the back—which Cignetti playfully dodged—before pulling him closer to the microphone. "Come here. Curt Cignetti has turned out to be, I believe, I think he's the coach of the last decade, because he took a team, nobody knew him, nobody knew the team, and he ended up taking this team all the way. People were betting against you all the way, Curt."
Trump went on to highlight Cignetti's remarkable turnaround, noting he took over a program coming off a "bleak 3-9 season" in 2023. The president recalled Cignetti's famously confident declaration at his introductory press conference: "It's pretty simple, I win. I just know how to win."
"That's a very cocky guy. I don't like people like that. Huh?" Trump joked, as Cignetti laughed it off with a casual "nah." The president threw his arm around the coach's shoulder and declared, "I like this guy."
It's a fitting moment for a coach who has quickly become one of college football's most compelling figures. From a forgotten program to a national championship in just two years, Cignetti's story is one of confidence, grit, and undeniable results—even if it takes the president a second to remember his name.