Washington, DC – March 19, 2025, 11:35 PM PDT
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts met with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday, as part of the team’s White House visit to celebrate their Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The meeting, which took place ahead of the official ceremony scheduled for April 28, 2025, has sparked a divided reaction among Eagles fans, reflecting the complex history between the team and the former president.

2025 Philadelphia Eagles Collection

Hurts, who led the Eagles to a 40-22 win in Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome, was photographed sitting alongside Trump in the Oval Office, both dressed in formal suits. The image, shared by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on X, showed the two in a serious discussion, with Hurts later telling reporters, “It was an honor to be here and represent the team.” The meeting came as part of preliminary discussions before the full team’s visit, a tradition for Super Bowl champions, which the Eagles confirmed after initial rumors of a potential snub (CNN, 3/11/2025).

The Eagles’ decision to visit marks a shift from 2018, when Trump rescinded their invitation after winning Super Bowl LII due to disagreements over players kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice. This time, the team, led by Hurts and team captain Lane Johnson, opted to focus on celebrating their second Super Bowl title. Johnson had previously told Sportico, “I’d be honored to go, regardless of who the president is,” emphasizing a team vote on the decision (Sportico, 2/2025).

However, the image of Hurts with Trump has split Eagles fans. On X, some expressed pride, with posts like, “Jalen representing the Birds at the White House—proud moment!” and “Class act by Hurts, focusing on the team’s achievement!” Others were critical, recalling past tensions, with comments such as, “Hurts meeting Trump after what happened in 2018? Disappointing,” and “Eagles should’ve skipped this—Trump doesn’t deserve this moment.” The divide reflects the lingering political sensitivities within the fanbase, a sentiment echoed in a recent NBC10 Philadelphia poll showing 52% of fans supported the visit, while 48% opposed it (NBC10 Philadelphia, 3/12/2025).

The White House visit, set for April 28, will be a significant moment for the Eagles as they prepare to defend their title in the 2025 season. While the meeting between Hurts and Trump has stirred mixed emotions, it underscores the team’s focus on unity and celebration amidst a complex backdrop.