On February 9, 2025, President Donald Trump made history by becoming the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl. He was present at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, where the Philadelphia Eagles faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs. Trump departed the stadium early in the second half, approximately 10 minutes into the third quarter, to return to Washington, D.C.
Following his departure, Trump took to social media to express his dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the game. He criticized the new kickoff rule, stating:
“The worst part of the Super Bowl, by far, was watching the Kickoff where, as the ball is sailing through the air, the entire field is frozen, stiff. College Football does not do it, and won’t! Whose idea was it to ruin the Game?”
This comment reflects Trump’s disapproval of the NFL’s recent changes to the kickoff procedure, which were implemented to enhance player safety.
Trump’s early departure and subsequent criticism of the game’s rules have sparked discussions about the costs and implications of a sitting president attending such an event. Estimates suggest that the security measures and associated expenses for Trump’s attendance could have ranged from $10 million to $20 million, largely funded by taxpayers.
In summary, President Trump’s attendance at Super Bowl LIX was historic, but his early exit and critical remarks about the game’s rules have become focal points of public discussion.
