Trump at the Super Bowl: How the NFL’s Culture War Shifted to Compliance

Donald Trump’s upcoming attendance at the Super Bowl in New Orleans will mark a significant shift in the relationship between the NFL and the controversial former president. In his first return to the event since his presidency, Trump will be a guest of Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints, and a pre-recorded Fox News interview will air during the broadcast. This marks a stark contrast to the NFL’s prior stance during his presidency, particularly regarding the players who kneeled during the national anthem to protest civil rights issues.

In 2016, as a presidential candidate, Trump harshly criticized NFL players who kneeled, urging team owners to fire them and calling on fans to walk out of games. These comments led to a public clash with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who defended the players’ right to protest. During Trump’s presidency, the NFL began embracing initiatives like “End Racism” and “Inspire Change” to address racial injustice, inspired by Colin Kaepernick’s protest. However, with Trump’s return to the political stage and his influence over the political climate, the NFL has shifted away from such explicit social justice messaging.

This year, instead of the slogan “End Racism,” which had been featured in the end zones of the Super Bowl, the league has chosen more neutral phrases like “Choose Love” and “It Takes All of Us,” a response to recent tragedies, including the New Orleans terrorist attack and natural disasters. The NFL’s decision to soften its messaging at a time when Trump’s administration is focused on eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs reflects a broader trend in American sports and corporate sectors, which seem to be moving toward appeasement or silence regarding the political issues Trump champions.

Trump’s influence in this area is palpable. His ongoing cultural “war on woke” has led to executive orders banning DEI initiatives in federal agencies and pressuring private companies to follow suit. He has used sports as a political tool, notably airing a politically charged message during the College Football Playoff National Championship on the day of his inauguration in 2021.

The symbolism of Trump’s presence at the Super Bowl highlights his ongoing political calculation. While presidents traditionally attend major sports events, Trump has long used sports to enhance his political persona, aligning himself with popular teams and athletes. His appearance at the game will further solidify his connection to mainstream American culture, despite the controversies that have long surrounded him.

Trump’s ties to the NFL are complex and go beyond his presidency. He attempted to buy the Buffalo Bills in 2014 and even led an anti-trust lawsuit against the NFL in 1986 as the owner of the New Jersey Generals in the defunct USFL. More recently, he received a warm reception at a Pittsburgh Steelers game and named a co-owner of the New York Jets as ambassador to the UK during his first term.

While the NFL’s relationship with Trump appears relatively calm for now, it remains to be seen how the political climate surrounding the Super Bowl and the halftime show will unfold. The performance by Kendrick Lamar, whose song “Alright” became a Black Lives Matter anthem, may reignite tensions between Trump and his critics, especially if the Philadelphia Eagles win and the NFL is forced to reckon with its past divisions.

Summary
Donald Trump’s upcoming attendance at the Super Bowl in New Orleans signals a shift in the NFL’s approach to social justice messaging, as the league adopts a more neutral stance on political issues. This change comes amid Trump’s ongoing cultural “war on woke,” and his use of sports as a platform to further his political goals. The dynamics between the NFL, Trump, and American sports culture will continue to evolve as the event unfolds.