Donald Trump made history as the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl game, but his appearance during the national anthem quickly became the center of attention. The moment, captured on camera, sparked a wave of mixed reactions from fans and viewers across the country.
The historic event took place on February 9 during Super Bowl LIX, held at the New Orleans Superdome. The game featured a thrilling matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. As the opening ceremonies began, Grammy-winning artist Jon Batiste delivered a powerful rendition of the national anthem.
During the performance, the cameras panned to President Trump and his daughter, Ivanka Trump, as they took their seats in the stands. What followed was a moment that divided viewers. The crowd’s reaction was loud and immediate, but its meaning was unclear. Some fans claimed the noise was booing, while others insisted it was cheering.
Social media quickly lit up with reactions. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Y’all didn’t boo Trump loud enough,” while another commented, “Showing Trump during the national anthem was a bad move—it made half of America boo.” Others were unsure of what they had heard. “Was that cheering or booing? Hard to tell,” one person posted. Another echoed, “Did they boo or cheer for Trump at the Super Bowl?”
The debate over the crowd’s reaction continued to dominate online discussions throughout the night. Some praised Trump for attending the event, while others criticized the decision to feature him during such a patriotic moment.
Before the game, Trump had released a statement expressing his excitement about attending. “I look forward to joining the fans in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX to cheer on two great teams—the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles—as they battle for the NFL’s Vince Lombardi Trophy,” he said. He also highlighted the significance of the Super Bowl as an American tradition, calling it a celebration of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Trump’s decision to attend the Super Bowl marked a significant departure from the actions of previous presidents. While past leaders like George W. Bush and Barack Obama have acknowledged the game’s importance, none had ever attended in person while in office. Trump’s presence at the event added another bold chapter to his political legacy, further cementing his reputation for breaking norms.
Whether the crowd’s reaction was positive or negative, one thing is clear: Donald Trump knows how to stay in the spotlight. His appearance at the Super Bowl, one of the most-watched events in the U.S., ensured that he remained a topic of conversation long after the game ended.
