When the news broke that Donald Trump had clinched his second non-consecutive term in the White House, the reactions across the sports world were as polarized as you’d expect. But for anyone who follows professional golf, there was one reaction that surprised absolutely nobody.
John Daly.
Long Before the results were even official, Daly was already leaning into the outcome he’d been predicting for years.
He didn't just post a quick tweet and move on. No, that’s not his style. John Daly celebrates Trump's historic election win with the same loud, unapologetic energy he brings to the 18th green—usually with a Diet Coke in one hand and a cigarette in the other.
The Long Game: Why Daly and Trump Go Way Back
A lot of folks think this is some new "political influencer" thing. Honestly? It’s not. These two have been tight since the early 90s. Daly hasn't just been a casual voter; he’s been a vocal surrogate and a personal friend of the 47th President for decades.
Daly’s reaction to the 2024 victory was deeply personal. Speaking on Fox & Friends shortly after the election, Daly didn’t hold back. He called Trump an "amazing human being." He talked about how the country "needs Daddy Trump." It’s a level of loyalty you rarely see in a world where most celebrities are terrified of losing a sponsorship or getting "ratioed" on social media.
But Daly? He basically doesn't care about the optics. He never has.
The bond between the "Long Ball" hitter and the President is built on a shared DNA. Both are outsiders who crashed the gates of their respective "elite" institutions. Trump did it to the GOP and the D.C. establishment. Daly did it to the stuffy, country-club world of the PGA Tour.
What Actually Happened After the Win
While the mainstream media was busy analyzing the shift in the "Blue Wall" states, Daly was focused on the vibe. He spent the days following the election reinforcing his belief that Trump’s return was a win for the common person—or at least the version of the common person Daly represents.
- The Media Rounds: Daly appeared on multiple conservative outlets to celebrate the "common sense" win.
- The Friendship Factor: He reminded everyone that he has known Trump "forever" and defended him against claims of racism, stating there isn't "one racist bone in his body."
- The Golf Connection: He often notes that Trump is one of the few people who can actually keep up with his pace on the course.
It’s easy to dismiss this as just two rich guys being friends. But for the millions of fans who wear Loudmouth pants and drink Daly’s signature "John Daly" cocktails, his endorsement is a cultural signal.
The Critics vs. The "Wild Thing"
Of course, the backlash was immediate. Critics point out that Daly’s "unfiltered" persona ignores the complexities of the policies being enacted. They say his support is just part of a "celebrity echo chamber."
Daly’s response? Usually a shrug.
He’s seen as a man of the people because he is flawed. He’s had the divorces, the gambling struggles, and the health scares. When he sees Trump—a man who has faced his own mountain of legal battles and controversies—he sees a kindred spirit. He sees a guy who got back up after being knocked down in 2020.
Why This Win Mattered More for Daly
This wasn't just another election cycle. For Daly, the 2024 win felt like a vindication of his own world view. He’s often felt like the "black sheep" of golf. When the PGA Tour moved events away from Trump-owned properties in years past, Daly was one of the few players who vocally disagreed with the decision.
He’s lived through the "cancel culture" era and come out the other side still wearing American flag pants.
Breaking Down the Friendship (Prose Edition)
If you look at the timeline of their friendship, it's pretty consistent. In 2016, Daly was one of the first athletes to jump on the Trump train. He famously tweeted back then that the country needed a businessman to run things. By 2020, even after the loss, he remained a staunch defender, often spotted at Mar-a-Lago or playing rounds with the former (and now current) President.
Fast forward to the 2024 cycle. Daly was a fixture at events, and his social media was a highlight reel of pro-Trump sentiment. When the victory was called on that November night, Daly’s celebration was less about policy and more about the "return of his friend."
Actionable Takeaways from the Daly-Trump Connection
So, what can we actually learn from this, besides the fact that John Daly likes to win?
- Authenticity Trumps Brand Safety. In 2026, the "perfectly curated" celebrity image is dying. People gravitate toward Daly because he is 100% himself, regardless of whether that makes him "marketable."
- Loyalty is a Rare Currency. Whether you love or hate the politics, Daly’s decade-long consistency is a case study in sticking by your associates through peaks and valleys.
- The "Outsider" Narrative Still Works. The core of the Daly/Trump appeal is the idea that the "elites" hate them. This remains one of the most powerful marketing and political tools in existence.
If you’re looking to understand why John Daly celebrates Trump's historic election win with such fervor, look no further than the 1991 PGA Championship. Daly was the ninth alternate. Nobody expected him to be there. Nobody wanted him to win. He drove through the night, showed up without a practice round, and smoked the field.
He sees Trump’s 2024 win as the political equivalent of that weekend at Crooked Stick.
To Daly, it’s not about the polls or the pundits. It’s about the guy who wasn’t supposed to be there holding the trophy at the end.
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Next Steps for Readers:
- Watch the Fox & Friends Interview: If you want to hear Daly’s unfiltered thoughts in his own voice, find the clip from November 8, 2024. It’s a masterclass in his "common man" rhetoric.
- Follow the Golf/Politics Intersection: Keep an eye on the LIV Golf and PGA Tour merger news. With Trump back in office, the landscape of professional golf—and where its funding comes from—is likely to shift significantly due to his relationships with the Saudi PIF.
- Audit Your Own Brand: Consider if your public persona is too "safe." In a world of AI-generated perfection, a little "John Daly energy"—being messy but real—might actually be your biggest asset.