President Donald Trump will make history on Sunday, February 9, 2025, by becoming the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl in person, as he watches the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Trump’s attendance at the NFL’s biggest annual event comes just three weeks into his second term, during which he has issued executive orders tightening immigration policies and dismantling government diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. His presence at the Super Bowl highlights an ongoing contrast between his administration’s policies and the NFL’s continued commitment to inclusion and diversity initiatives.
Trump’s relationship with the National Football League (NFL) has been marked by controversy, particularly during his first term when he criticized Black athletes for kneeling during the U.S. national anthem to protest racial injustice.
Now, as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reaffirmed this week, the league is maintaining its diversity programs despite political pushback. While the NFL has decided to replace the “End Racism” message—which has been present in one of the end zones since 2021—with a new slogan, “Choose Love,” Goodell stated that the league’s commitment to diversity remains strong.
“Our focus is on bringing people together through football,” Goodell said.
It remains unclear if Goodell will interact with President Trump at the game, but their contrasting views on racial and social justice initiatives are expected to draw attention.
Trump’s presence at the Super Bowl also comes amid ongoing political tensions surrounding his stance on transgender rights. During his campaign, Trump ran ads during football games criticizing his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, for her views on LGBTQ+ issues, including transgender participation in sports.
The politically charged ad declared, “Kamala’s for they/them; President Trump is for you.” The message resonated with conservative voters, and Trump has since followed up by signing an executive order last week that excludes transgender girls and women from competing in female sports at the federal level.
The Super Bowl will also attract numerous celebrities, including global pop icon Taylor Swift, who is dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Swift, a vocal supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris, publicly endorsed Harris during the 2024 election, making her presence at the game a high-profile juxtaposition to Trump’s attendance. Given their opposing political affiliations, speculation has already begun about whether Trump and Swift will acknowledge each other at the event.
As Trump steps onto the Super Bowl stage, he will once again mix politics with sports, an arena where he has long sought to influence public sentiment and policy debates. His attendance at Super Bowl LIX underscores his continued efforts to appeal to American voters while navigating a complex relationship with professional sports leagues, social justice movements, and celebrity figures.