Trump proposes to backdate NCAA March Madness bracket predictions

On March 22, 2025, President Donald Trump missed the deadline to fill out his NCAA March Madness bracket, prompting a light-hearted exchange with reporters outside the White House. Trump was approached by Peter Doocy, a Fox News correspondent, who inquired whether he had submitted a bracket. In his response, Trump acknowledged that he failed to participate and humorously mentioned the concept of backdating his picks, a term typically associated with making documents appear dated earlier than they are. He expressed curiosity about the tournament’s upset results during the early rounds, suggesting he might still submit a bracket despite the missed deadline. Such an idea, while comical, raises questions about the integrity of predictions and the fun associated with the annual tournament. The NCAA Tournament, known for its unpredictable outcomes, saw numerous perfect brackets eliminated following significant upsets, such as Ole Miss defeating North Carolina and Arkansas beating St. John's. Reflecting on the dwindling number of remaining perfect brackets, Trump recognized that many participants, himself included, had been affected by these unexpected game results. Despite missing the deadline, Trump's interest in the tournament aligns with the broader cultural phenomenon surrounding March Madness, emphasizing the widespread enthusiasm and engagement that these sports events generate nationwide. This incident also coincided with Trump's attendance at the NCAA Men’s Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia, where he experienced the excitement of live sports and witnessed remarkable performances. His interaction regarding the March Madness bracket not only adds a humorous layer to his public persona but also highlights the fervor that accompanies sports events during this season.