Saquon Barkley Faces Scrutiny After Trump Outing, Responds with Clarification
On April 27, 2025, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was seen walking alongside former President Donald Trump before boarding Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport in New Jersey. The two had just spent the day golfing at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. Also present during their time together was Trump’s grandson, Theodore Kushner. The meeting drew widespread attention as it took place one day before the Eagles were scheduled to visit the White House to celebrate their recent Super Bowl LIX victory.
The encounter sparked a wave of criticism online, with many social media users questioning Barkley’s decision to spend time with the former president. In response to the backlash, Barkley publicly addressed the situation, emphasizing that his interaction with Trump was not intended as a political statement. Instead, he framed the visit as an expression of respect for the office of the presidency.
Barkley explained that his relationship with presidents is not unique to Trump. He noted that he had previously golfed with former President Barack Obama, highlighting that his actions reflect respect for the role, not partisan allegiance. His statement aimed to calm the controversy, asserting that meeting with former or current presidents is a common and respectable gesture, not an endorsement of their political ideologies.
As the Eagles visited the White House on April 28, Trump praised Barkley during the celebratory event. The former president complimented Barkley’s athletic skills and acknowledged his contributions to the team’s championship win. While several other Eagles players, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, opted not to attend the White House ceremony—reportedly due to scheduling conflicts—Barkley was present and appeared receptive to the recognition.
The White House visit and preceding outing with Trump brought the political affiliations and personal choices of NFL players back into the spotlight. While Barkley received both support and criticism, he remained firm in his stance, reiterating that the experience was about honoring tradition rather than making a political declaration. His goal, he said, was simply to accept the honor of being recognized for his achievements and to appreciate the moment as a professional athlete.
The Morristown Municipal Airport, where the meeting between Barkley and Trump took place, has frequently been used for high-profile departures and arrivals. Located in Hanover, New Jersey, the airport has previously hosted presidents and major political figures, making it a familiar setting for such events.
Critics of Barkley’s decision to appear with Trump questioned the optics of such a public association, especially in today’s politically divided climate. However, Barkley’s defenders argued that individuals should be allowed to separate political identity from professional or ceremonial engagements. Barkley reinforced this view in his response, making it clear that his intentions were not rooted in politics but in professionalism and personal respect.
Additionally, the incident gained further attention after New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner joked about it on social media, indicating how quickly such events can become part of the broader sports and cultural conversation.
In conclusion, while Saquon Barkley’s day with Donald Trump generated controversy, the NFL star used the moment to clarify his position. Emphasizing mutual respect and his personal belief in engaging with leaders from all backgrounds, Barkley maintained that the outing was consistent with his values. He urged fans and critics alike to consider the broader context rather than jump to political conclusions. The episode underscores the fine line public figures must walk when engaging in non-sports-related public appearances, particularly when politics are involved.
