Despite his complex history with the National Football League (NFL) and controversial stance on mixing politics with sports, U.S. President Donald Trump is set to attend the Super Bowl this Sunday. This marks the first time a sitting president will attend the event in person. Trump will be at the Superdome in New Orleans to witness the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. His presence is expected to draw attention, not only to the game but also to his reactions. This visit comes about three weeks after Trump began his second term, during which he signed executive orders to tighten immigration policies and end diversity initiatives.
Trump’s attendance at the Super Bowl places him at the center of a prominent American tradition that brings together people from across the political spectrum. It also highlights the stark contrast between his administration’s efforts to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and the NFL’s ongoing commitment to such initiatives. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who may interact with Trump at the game, confirmed earlier this week that the league has no plans to scale back its diversity programs. In fact, the NFL is replacing the “End Racism” message, which had been in the end zones since 2021, with a new slogan: “Choose Love.”
During his first term, Trump frequently criticized the NFL and its players, especially after Black athletes began kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice. While campaigning for re-election last year, Trump aired ads during football games that targeted his Democratic rival, former Vice President Kamala Harris, over her stance on transgender rights. The ad featured the slogan, “Kamala’s for they/them; President Trump is for you,” which resonated with voters. Trump has continued to hold firm on his position regarding transgender rights, signing an executive order last week to bar transgender girls and women from competing in female sports.