On April 28, 2025, former President Donald Trump hosted the Super Bowl LIX–champion Philadelphia Eagles on the White House South Lawn to honor their 40–22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The ceremony featured enthusiastic presidential remarks lauding the team’s resilience and innovative “tush-push” play, a special spotlight on running back Saquon Barkley—including a weekend golf outing and flights aboard Air Force One and Marine One—alongside gifts of a personalized jersey and helmet. Approximately 30 players and staff attended, though several marquee stars such as Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith skipped the event due to scheduling conflicts. The visit marked the Eagles’ first White House celebration since their 2018 win, which was canceled amid protest controversies. President Trump also used the occasion to critique recent NFL kickoff rule changes and take a playful jab at Taylor Swift.

Event Overview

Date and Location

The ceremony took place on Monday, April 28, 2025, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C.

Attendees

Roughly 30 Eagles players and personnel joined the celebration, including head coach Nick Sirianni, general manager Howie Roseman, offensive tackle Lane Johnson, and running back Saquon Barkley. Several high-profile players—most notably quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and defensive stars like Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat—opted out, citing scheduling conflicts.

Ceremony Highlights

Presidential Remarks

President Trump praised the Eagles as “modern-day warriors” for their relentless play throughout the season and celebrated their signature “tush-push” quarterback sneak as an example of innovation that “makes football great.” He commended GM Howie Roseman and Coach Sirianni for steering the team through early-season challenges and presented both a No. 47 jersey and a commemorative Eagles helmet.

Spotlight on Saquon Barkley

Running back Saquon Barkley received special attention—Trump recounted a (later-disputed) anecdote of advising the New York Giants not to let Barkley slip away. Barkley, instrumental to the Eagles’ success with over 2,500 total yards and 18 touchdowns in 2024–25, joined Trump for a weekend golf outing at Trump National Golf Club in New Jersey and traveled to Washington aboard Air Force One and Marine One.

Cultural and Policy Commentary

The President used the platform to criticize recent NFL kickoff rule changes, arguing they detract from the game’s excitement. In a lighthearted moment, he quipped about pop star Taylor Swift—whose public support for his political opponent and high-profile Super Bowl appearance had drawn his ire—asking, “How did that work out?”

Reception and Context

Comparison to 2018 Celebration

This was the Eagles’ first White House visit since their Super Bowl LII victory in 2018, when a planned Trump-hosted celebration was canceled amid anthem-protest disputes. Many observers saw the renewed invitation as an olive branch toward unity.

Media and Public Reaction

Coverage spanned from celebratory praise of the team’s athletic achievements to critiques of the political overtones and star-player absences. Social-media discourse highlighted the balance athletes navigate between personal convictions and public expectations when attending presidential events.

Sources

1. “Donald Trump has big praise for Saquon Barkley in Eagles’ White House visit,” New York Post, April 28, 2025.

2. “Trump praises Eagles at White House celebration,” Axios, April 28, 2025.

3. “Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts among Eagles that skipped White House visit,” Houston Chronicle, April 28, 2025.

4. “Trump backs ‘tush push,’ rips Taylor Swift as he celebrates Eagles’ Super Bowl victory,” Spectrum Local News, April 28, 2025.

5. “Recap: Eagles celebrate Super Bowl win with president at White House,” NBC Philadelphia, April 28, 2025.

6. “Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is skipping Trump White House visit,” AP News, April 28, 2025.

7. “Trump hosts Philadelphia Eagles at the White House,” Reuters via Honolulu Star-Advertiser, April 28, 2025.

8. “Eagles visit Trump at White House to celebrate Super Bowl LIX win,” CBS News Philadelphia, April 28, 2025.

9. “Eagles White House Visit Was Great For Attendees, But Multiple Star Players Opted Out,” Outkick, April 28, 2025.

10. “President Trump participates in a visit with the 2025 Super Bowl Champions – The Philadelphia Eagles,” RSBN (YouTube), April 28, 2025.