The President of the United States, Donald Trump, became this Sunday the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl, marking a milestone in the history of the country's most important sporting event.
Trump visited the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, where the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles was held, accompanied by Melania and his daughter Ivanka, among other prominent figures.
The Air Force One landed in Louisiana on Sunday afternoon, and a presidential motorcade transported the president to the city center.
Upon his arrival, Trump briefly appeared on the Superdome field, where he met with rescuers and families of the victims of the January 1 attack in New Orleans, a tragic event that left 14 people dead and dozens injured.
The president expressed his condolences to the affected families and highlighted the resilience of the injured.
"We remember that 14 families will miss a loved one who was tragically killed during a senseless terrorist attack while celebrating New Year's on Bourbon Street. Our thoughts are also with the 35 people injured during the attack whose lives were forever changed that fateful night, and our prayers will remain with them for strength, comfort, and healing," Trump stated in a statement.
The president also had words for players and coaches before the match.
"The coaches, players, and staff of the teams on the field tonight represent the best of the best in professional American football, but they also embody the best of the American dream", said the president before the game.
"Your hard work, dedication, and tenacity are admirable, and your individual journeys are as inspiring as the drive and determination that have brought you to this extraordinary moment," she added.
The president also highlighted the impact of American football on American society, stating that the sport "promotes a sense of national unity, bringing together families, friends, and fans while strengthening communities."
However, the Republican has maintained a complex relationship with American football over the years.
In his youth, he played that sport in high school. Later on, in the 1980s, he was the owner of the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League (USFL), an emerging league that sought to compete with the NFL.
At that time, Trump filed a lawsuit to force the merger of both leagues, but the USFL ultimately vanished.
Clashes with the NFL in the past
Trump has had a tense relationship with the NFL in recent years, particularly due to his stance on players who kneel during the national anthem in protest against social and racial injustice.
"Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL team owners, when someone disrespects our flag, tell them: ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out! You're fired’," he exclaimed amid applause from the crowd in 2017, during a rally in Huntsville, Alabama.
Recently, the NFL decided to remove the slogans "End Racism" that had been present in the end zones of stadiums since 2021.
Some critics believe that this decision could have been a response to the policy of the Trump administration, which recently ordered the cancellation of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal government.
However, the league commissioner, Roger Goodell, stated that the decision is not related to the president's stance.
Although President Trump openly expressed his support for the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles were crowned champions of Super Bowl LIX after defeating them with a score of 40-22.
First president to attend the Super Bowl
Over the years, several former presidents have attended the Super Bowl, but only after leaving office.
George H.W. Bush (1989-1993) was one of the leaders who witnessed the event after his presidency.
However, Trump's presence as the sitting president at Super Bowl LIX makes it a unique case in the history of the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Attendance at Super Bowl LIX
Why is it significant that Trump attended Super Bowl LIX?
Trump became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl, a major event in the United States, marking a historic milestone in the relationship between politics and sports in the country.
How did the public react to Trump's presence at the Super Bowl?
President Donald Trump was met with applause when he appeared on the screen during the national anthem, in contrast to the boos directed at singer Taylor Swift, who was also present at the event.
What message did Trump convey during his visit to Super Bowl LIX?
Trump expressed his condolences to the families affected by the attack on January 1 in New Orleans and highlighted the resilience of the victims. Additionally, he praised the players and coaches of the Super Bowl, noting that they represent the best of the American dream.
What has Trump's relationship with the NFL been like in the past?
Trump has had a tense relationship with the NFL, particularly due to his critical stance towards players who knelt during the national anthem in protest against social injustice. In 2017, he expressed his desire for team owners to fire those players.
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