During a celebratory event at the White House on Monday, Vice President JD Vance experienced an unexpected mishap while attempting to hoist Ohio State's College Football Playoff National Championship trophy. As the ceremony concluded, Vance, an Ohio State alumnus and avid supporter, tried to lift the trophy awarded to the Buckeyes for their victory in the 2024 National Championship Game. However, the base of the 35-pound trophy broke off in his hands, causing a brief moment of chaos. Fortunately, star running back TreVeyon Henderson was quick to react, catching the main part of the trophy before it could hit the ground.
The incident occurred as the White House band played "We Are the Champions," adding an ironic twist to the celebration. Despite the fumble, the trophy remained intact, and the event continued without further issues. Vance, who had previously joked about skipping his inauguration to attend the championship game, laughed off the mishap, expressing his pride in the Buckeyes' resilience and their representation of Ohio and the nation. The ceremony highlighted Ohio State's 34-23 victory over Notre Dame, marking the first national championship of the new 12-team playoff era