Saquon Barkley defends golfing with Trump before White House visit

In the United States, on April 27, 2025, Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley was seen spending time with President Donald Trump at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. This meeting occurred just one day before the Eagles' planned visit to the White House to celebrate their recent Super Bowl victory. The gathering attracted attention, particularly after it was reported that Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had avoided answering questions regarding his intention to join the team for the White House visit. The contrast in their responses raised eyebrows within the sports community and beyond. During his afternoon with Barkley, Trump expressed admiration for the athlete, jokingly stating he wanted to race him but chose against it. This light-hearted remark was delivered to reporters before the pair traveled to Washington on Air Force One. Social media reactions quickly surfaced, with many expressing disapproval of Barkley associating with the president. Barkley addressed the backlash through social media, conveying his respect for the presidency and emphasizing that meeting with the president should not be a polarizing issue. He noted that he had previously golfed with former President Barack Obama as a sign of respect for the office. The Philadelphia Eagles' decision to visit the White House was confirmed by a White House official in early March when the invitation from Trump was sent, and the team accepted it enthusiastically. This decision followed the controversial situation in 2018, when several Eagles players opted not to attend the celebration of their first Super Bowl win due to Trump's criticisms related to player protests during the national anthem. Trump subsequently rescinded the invitation, which led to significant media coverage and public discussions about the intersection of sports and politics. The Eagles' owner, Jeffrey Lurie, stated the 2025 visit would be a time-honored tradition, noting that participation was optional for players, further emphasizing the need for inclusiveness regarding attendance. Despite different responses to the White House invitation, Barkley insisted that he respects the office of the President. He encouraged a more amicable dialogue among fans and followers, urging people to set aside politics when engaging in sports discussions. Following the meeting with Trump, Barkley affirmed his intentions to join his teammates at the White House celebration, positioning his decision as a personal choice rooted in respect for the institution of the presidency rather than a reflection of political alignment. This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved when athletes navigate relationships within the political landscape, illustrating the fine line they must walk between personal beliefs and professional obligations.