Saquon Barkley finally reacts to the ‘intense’ backlash he received for hanging out with Donald Trump

Saquon Barkley and Donald Trump spent some time together playing golf ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles White House visit.

Saquon Barkley finally reacts to the ‘intense’ backlash he received for hanging out with Donald Trump

Saquon Barkley, Donald Trump (Images via NBC News/ABC News)

Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley faced intense backlash after spending time with Donald Trump recently. Photos circulating online had shown Barkley and Trump together at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

Several “Make America Great Again” hats were seen on the table near them. Barkley was also pictured disembarking from the Marine One helicopter alongside Trump in New Jersey.

The gathering between Barkley and Trump had taken place just a day before the Eagles’ White House visit. The Eagles had been scheduled to celebrate their Super Bowl victory at the White House the following day. Barkley’s presence at the golf club, so close to the political event, drew considerable public scrutiny. Many fans criticized Barkley for engaging with the golf loving president so publicly ahead of the official event.

Despite the criticism, Barkley had chosen to address the controversy directly on social media hours before the scheduled ceremony. He posted a clear statement on the X defending his actions. Barkley stressed that he had intended to respect the office of the presidency rather than endorse any political views. He used the moment to push back firmly against those attacking him online.

Lol some people are really upset cause I played (golf) and flew to the White House with the PRESIDENT. Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand. Just golfed with Obama not too long ago … and look forward to finishing my round with Trump! Now ya get out my mentions with all this politics and have amazing day.

Saquon Barkley tweeted

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie had previously declared that the White House event would be optional for players. Given Barkley’s public stance, it seemed likely he would attend the celebration despite ongoing criticism.

Eagles Players show mixed reactions ahead of White House visit

As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for their upcoming visit to the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl LIX victory, reactions within the team appear divided. While the organization officially accepted the invitation extended by President Donald Trump, some players are expressing hesitation — or avoiding the topic altogether.

Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts (Image via IMAGO)

Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts raised eyebrows during a recent TIME100 event when asked directly if he planned to attend Monday’s visit. His brief, uncertain “Umm,” followed by an awkward silence, left many wondering if he intends to join the team in Washington.

Hurts’ pause seemed to echo the underlying tension among players regarding the political implications of the visit.

The situation recalls 2018, when the Eagles’ scheduled White House visit was abruptly canceled by the Trump administration following reports that few players planned to attend. This time, while the team appears more united publicly, private sentiments may be more nuanced.

Sources close to the team suggest that some players are weighing the optics of the visit amid ongoing national political polarization.

“It’s more than just football. You have to decide if going aligns with your values,” an unnamed player told a local outlet.

So far, no player has explicitly confirmed they will skip the event, but Hurts’ noncommittal response may signal a broader undercurrent of discomfort.

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