While celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2025 Super Bowl victory at the White House on Monday, President Donald Trump shifted focus briefly from football to pop culture, taking a pointed jab at singer Taylor Swift and the Kansas City Chiefs.
In a speech honoring the Eagles on the South Lawn, Trump praised the team’s journey to becoming NFL champions for the second time in franchise history. However, his remarks veered off script when he referenced Swift — and her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce — in a moment that drew both laughter and raised eyebrows.
Trump, 78, acknowledged the Eagles’ Super Bowl opponent, the Kansas City Chiefs, and described the Feb. 9 championship game in New Orleans as “an incredible game” and “a little surprising.” The Eagles defeated the Chiefs in a dramatic contest that was attended by both Trump and Swift, marking the first time a sitting president had attended a Super Bowl in person.
“I was there along with Taylor Swift,” Trump said during his remarks. “How did that work out?” he asked rhetorically, to chuckles from the audience. He repeated the line for emphasis: “How did that one work out?”
Trump’s comment appeared to reference Swift’s widely publicized relationship with Kelce and her ongoing support of Democratic candidates, including her endorsement of Trump’s 2024 rival, Vice President Kamala Harris. The pop star’s appearance at the Super Bowl was highly covered by media and social media alike, especially amid speculation over her potential political influence.
The president’s swipe was the latest in a series of public criticisms aimed at Swift. In September 2024, following her endorsement of Harris, Trump took to Truth Social to post, “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!” He continued his criticism the next day during an appearance on Fox & Friends, saying, “I was not a Taylor Swift fan. It was just a question of time. She’s a very liberal person. She always seems to endorse a Democrat. And she’ll probably pay a price for it in the marketplace.”
While politics and pop culture clashed, the day was primarily a celebration for the Eagles, who secured their second Super Bowl title after their first win in 2018. Trump praised the team’s resilience, highlighted the controversial yet effective “tush push” quarterback sneak play, and applauded standout performances from key players.
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Among those singled out was running back Saquon Barkley, who was recognized for his leadership and performance on the field. Barkley, who recently made headlines for joining Trump on a golf outing, brushed off criticism earlier in the week, saying he remained focused on team success.
Several notable Eagles players, including Super Bowl MVP and quarterback Jalen Hurts, did not attend the White House celebration. According to NBC News White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor, a White House official confirmed Hurts would be absent due to “scheduling conflicts.” Other key players, including wide receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown and several defensive starters, were also reportedly unable to attend.
Despite their absence, Trump acknowledged Hurts’ contributions to the team’s championship run. “Jalen is a terrific player, a real leader,” Trump said, adding that the quarterback played a pivotal role in delivering the title for Philadelphia.
The ceremony featured brief remarks from several Eagles players and coaches, as well as team owner Jeffrey Lurie. Offensive tackle Lane Johnson also addressed the crowd at the president’s invitation.
The event concluded with team members posing for photos with Trump and presenting him with a custom Eagles jersey, as is tradition during championship visits to the White House.
The 2025 NFL season is expected to begin in September, with both the Eagles and Chiefs anticipated to remain top contenders. Swift, meanwhile, is preparing to resume the international leg of her Eras Tour later this summer.
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