Donald Trump is set to make history this weekend as the first sitting U.S. president to attend the Super Bowl in person. The highly anticipated game will see the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday.
New Orleans, the host city for Super Bowl 59, was recently shaken by a devastating terrorist attack on New Year’s Day, which claimed the lives of 14 people on Bourbon Street. Security measures for the event have been significantly heightened due to the president’s attendance.
"Security measures have been further enhanced this year, given that this will be the first time a sitting president of the United States will attend the event," Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi stated.
Presidential Presence at the Super Bowl
While previous presidents have participated in the event remotely, such as Ronald Reagan performing a pre-game coin toss from the White House, no sitting president has ever attended in person. Trump, who took office as the 47th president in January, is currently serving his second term.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the significance of the event, calling it "the biggest homeland security event that we do every year."
Trump’s Relationship with the NFL
Trump’s presence at the Super Bowl is expected to be met with mixed reactions due to his past criticisms of the NFL and its leadership. He has been vocal about his opposition to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and has criticized players who kneel during the national anthem as a protest against racial injustice.
This year’s game marks a notable change, as it will be the first Super Bowl in four years without an "End Racism" message in the end zone. Instead, a "Choose Love" message will be displayed. The NFL has denied any political influence behind this decision.
"The Super Bowl is often a snapshot in time, and the NFL is in a unique position to capture and lift the imagination of the country," said NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy. "Choose love is appropriate to use as our country has endured in recent weeks wildfires in southern California, the terrorist attack here in New Orleans, the plane and helicopter crash near our nation's capital, and the plane crash in Philadelphia."
NFL’s Commitment to Diversity
Despite changes in messaging, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reaffirmed the league’s dedication to diversity and inclusive hiring practices.
"I think we've proven to ourselves that it does make the NFL better," Goodell stated. "We're not in this because it's a trend to get into it or a trend to get out of it. Our efforts are fundamental in trying to attract the best possible talent into the NFL both on and off the field."
Presidents and the Super Bowl: A Growing Tradition
Since its inception in 1967, the Super Bowl has evolved into the most-watched sporting event in the United States. Last year’s game, where the Chiefs defended their championship, was the most-viewed U.S. broadcast since the 1969 moon landing, drawing 123.4 million viewers.
Given its cultural significance, U.S. presidents have increasingly played a role in its history. George H.W. Bush became the first former president to attend in person for the coin toss at Super Bowl 51 in Houston in 2017. Ronald Reagan conducted a coin toss via satellite in 1985, and George W. Bush started the tradition of pre-game presidential interviews in 2004.
Barack Obama continued this tradition, though Joe Biden declined to participate in interviews during his presidency. Trump’s in-person attendance marks a new chapter in the evolving relationship between the Super Bowl and American politics.