Super Bowl fans were left divided when the broadcast momentarily focused on Donald Trump during the national anthem, leading to a flurry of reactions across social media.
At 78 years old, Trump made history as the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl, watching the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles at the New Orleans Superdome on February 9.
As Grammy-winning artist Jon Batiste delivered a powerful rendition of the national anthem, cameras cut to Trump seated in the stands alongside his daughter, Ivanka. However, while the anthem played, some spectators believed the crowd’s reaction to the former president was mixed, with both cheers and jeers filling the stadium.
One viewer remarked, “Y’all didn’t boo Donald Trump loud enough,” while another criticized the timing, stating, “It was pretty s**tty to show Trump during Jon Batiste’s performance—it forced me and half of America to boo.”
Uncertainty remained among others, with one user questioning, “Did they cheer or boo Trump? Hard to tell,” as another echoed, “The reaction to Trump at #SuperBowlLIX seemed unclear—was it applause or disapproval?”
Trump’s Statement Ahead of the Super Bowl
Before the game, Trump expressed excitement about attending, emphasizing his appreciation for the sport and its significance to American culture.
“I look forward to joining fans in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX to cheer on two great teams—the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles—as they compete for the Vince Lombardi Trophy,” he stated.
He went on to praise the dedication and perseverance of the athletes, calling their efforts “admirable” and recognizing them as role models for aspiring young players.
“These athletes embody the hopes and dreams of America’s youth as we work toward restoring safety, fairness, and equal opportunities in sports,” Trump continued.
Highlighting football’s unifying power, he added, “Football remains the most popular sport in America because it brings people together—families, friends, and entire communities. We honor their commitment to the game and their contributions to this great nation.”
Trump’s presence at the event and the reaction it garnered further fueled discussions about his political influence and public perception in the sports world.