Trump mocks Jim Jordan’s cauliflower ears, reviving wrestling and Ohio State controversies
President Donald Trump has publicly questioned whether Rep. Jim Jordan underwent plastic surgery on his cauliflower ears. The comments came during a House Republican retreat, where Trump remarked that Jordan’s ears looked better than before. The Ohio congressman, a former collegiate wrestler, has long been known for the condition—a common result of repeated trauma in the sport.
Trump’s remarks follow years of personal jabs about Jordan’s wrestling past, including a 2020 White House speech where he described the lawmaker’s ears as 'a little rough' and 'little cauliflower'.
Jordan’s wrestling career began at Graham High School, where he achieved a near-perfect 150-1 record. He later became a two-time NCAA Division I champion, a success that shaped his early reputation. However, his time as an assistant coach at Ohio State from 1986 to 1994 has drawn controversy.
During those years, team doctor Richard Strauss sexually abused at least 177 student-patients, including 48 wrestlers. Many former athletes described the abuse as an 'open secret'. An Ohio State investigation confirmed the allegations, leading to a $40.9 million settlement in 2020. Jordan has consistently denied knowing about the abuse, though lawsuits named him without direct accusations of misconduct. Beyond wrestling, Jordan has become a key political figure. As chair of the House Judiciary Committee, he co-founded the House Freedom Caucus and emerged as one of Trump’s strongest defenders in Congress. The former president even endorsed Jordan’s unsuccessful 2023 bid for House Speaker. Cauliflower ear, the condition Trump referenced, occurs when repeated trauma damages cartilage, causing permanent deformation if untreated. Wrestlers frequently develop it due to the sport’s physical demands. Jordan’s ears have been a recurring topic for Trump, who first noticed them years ago and has since made multiple public comments about their appearance.
Trump’s latest remarks highlight his history of personal digs at Jordan, often tied to the congressman’s wrestling background. The exchange also revisits Jordan’s past at Ohio State, where allegations of ignored abuse continue to shadow his political career. Meanwhile, the condition that sparked the discussion—cauliflower ear—remains a visible reminder of his athletic history.
