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 the talk of the night. The moment, captured on camera, sparked a wave of mixed reactions from fans and viewers.
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 powerful 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 argued it was cheering.
Social media quickly became a battleground for opinions. One user wrote, “They didn’t boo Trump loud enough,” while another said, “Showing Trump during the anthem was a mistake—it made half the country boo.” Others were unsure, with one person posting, “Was that cheering or booing? I can’t tell.”
The mixed reactions continued to dominate online discussions throughout the night. Some praised Trump for attending the game, while others criticized the decision to feature him during such a patriotic moment.
In a statement before the event, Trump had expressed his enthusiasm for 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 emphasized the Super Bowl’s role as a celebration of American values, including hard work and perseverance.
Trump’s decision to attend the Super Bowl was a break from tradition. While past presidents like George W. Bush and Barack Obama have acknowledged the game’s significance, none had ever attended in person while in office. Trump’s presence added another bold move to his political legacy, further solidifying his reputation for breaking norms.
Whether the crowd’s reaction was positive or negative, one thing is certain: Donald Trump knows how to command attention. His appearance at the Super Bowl ensured that he remained a topic of conversation long after the final whistle.
