Donald Trump made history by becoming the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl game, but his appearance during the national anthem quickly became a hot topic. The moment, captured on camera, divided 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, featuring the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, began with a stirring performance of the national anthem by Grammy-winning artist Jon Batiste.
As Batiste sang, the cameras turned to President Trump and his daughter, Ivanka Trump, seated in the stands. The crowd’s reaction was immediate and loud, but its meaning was unclear. Some viewers claimed the noise was booing, while others insisted it was cheering.
Social media quickly lit up with reactions. One user wrote, “They didn’t boo Trump loud enough,” while another commented, “Showing Trump during the anthem was a bad move—it made half of America boo.” Others were unsure, with one person posting, “Was that cheering or booing? Hard to tell.”
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 compete for the NFL’s Vince Lombardi Trophy,” he said. He also highlighted the Super Bowl’s role as a celebration of American values, including hard work 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 ensured that he remained a topic of conversation long after the game ended.