The Philadelphia Eagles’ 2025 Super Bowl win came with celebration, but also stirred headlines for reasons far beyond football. Star running back Saquon Barkley was pictured with President Donald Trump before the team’s White House visit, sparking conversation across sports and political circles. Here’s what really happened and how Barkley responded.

Saquon Barkley, Trump, and the Pre-Visit Golf Game

Before the Eagles’ championship ceremony at the White House, Saquon Barkley spent a day golfing with Donald Trump at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey. The following day, Barkley and the President traveled together to Washington D.C. on Marine One, chatting with reporters at the airport.

As CNN reported, Trump called Barkley "a nice guy" and admitted, “I wanted to race him, but I decided not to do it.” Images from the gathering, showing Barkley among MAGA hats, quickly circulated on social media.

Social Media Reaction and Barkley’s Response

News of the Saquon Barkley Trump meeting drew mixed reactions. While some viewed it as a simple celebration of football tradition, others questioned the optics. Barkley, not one to shy away from online discussions, addressed critics directly.

On X (formerly Twitter), Barkley wrote, “lol some people are really upset cause I played golfed 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.” His message was clear—his presence was about respect for the office, not politics.

In coverage by CBS Sports, Barkley emphasized his nonpartisan respect, mentioning his recent game with President Obama. Trump also joked about Barkley’s talent on the Giants, saying, “Do anything you have to, but don't lose Saquon. They lost Saquon.”

Eagles’ White House Visit: A Team Divided?

The Eagles’ trip to the White House was not without absence. Notably, Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts skipped the ceremony, along with other key players like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. As detailed in the NBC Philadelphia recap, attendance was optional. Owner Jeffrey Lurie emphasized that each player could choose freely.

Despite this, Barkley stood at the center of the celebration, even receiving public praise from Trump, who called him “a handsome guy and an incredible football player.” The event marked a sharp contrast to 2018, when tensions around visiting the White House led to the Eagles declining an invitation.

Sports and History Intersect

The Saquon Barkley Trump meeting highlighted the complexities when sports intersect with politics. Barkley, a superstar celebrated for his performance on the field, found himself navigating public scrutiny off it. His approach—emphasizing respect for the office and the traditions of championship visits—stood out during a week when football, fandom, and national politics collided.

The Takeaway

The story of Saquon Barkley and the Eagles’ White House visit with President Trump provides insight into the state of sports and public discourse today. Whether supporting or criticizing the event, fans and commentators engaged in a rich discussion about tradition, respect, and individual agency. Barkley’s response reminds us that sometimes, celebrating victory means balancing the game and the greater stage on which it plays out.

For more detailed coverage and video of the day, visit NBC10 Philadelphia’s full recap and additional CNN reporting.