In the presence of his devoted follower, Kansas City Chiefs’ Harrison Butker, President Donald Trump botched the pronunciation of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s name.
While the correct way to say the Hawaiian-born player’s name is tag-oh-vie-low-ugh, Trump attempted it with a version that sounded more like “tag-oh-val-ee-ah.”
Vice President J.D. Vance, an avowed Ohio State football enthusiast, couldn’t help but laugh at the mispronunciation. Butker and other sports figures in attendance also shared a light-hearted moment; they were there to witness the President sign an executive order reinstating the Presidential fitness test.
Trump didn’t miss the opportunity to lightly rib Tagovailoa, saying, “The quarterback who has really been fantastic when he’s not injured. He’s gotta stay healthy,” adding with a hint of jest, “And he’s [also] a great guy.”
Tagovailoa, who has been sidelined for 19 games across five NFL seasons since being selected sixth overall by Miami in the 2020 draft, had his standout year in 2023. He threw for 4,624 yards and achieved a touchdown-interception ratio of 29-14, helping Miami make the playoffs for the second year running.
On Wednesday, Tagovailoa expressed his willingness to participate in preseason games. “I’d definitely love to get some preseason snaps in. No doubt,” he declared to the press.
He emphasized the importance of team cohesion and preparation, stating, “It’s a new season, it’s a new year. Got to get things tuned in with the guys again, all of that. I don’t think I’m better than anyone on this team or think I’m too cool to get reps in during preseason games.”
The Presidential Fitness Test, initiated by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956, was phased out by President Barack Obama in 2012 in favor of the Presidential Youth Fitness Program.
“This is an important step in our mission to make America healthy again,” declared Trump on Thursday. “It’s something that’s very important, what we’re doing, very important.
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“Dating back to the administration of President Dwight D Eisenhower, this council has championed the vigor, strength, and vitality of the American people today. We continue that very proud tradition.”
Flanked by personalities like Butker, golfer Bryson DeChambeau, and United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Trump unveiled the Executive Order.