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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Tom Dart

Trump at the Super Bowl: how the NFL’s culture war ended in surrender

Donald Trump attends a game between the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, while on the campaign trail in October.
Donald Trump attends a game between the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, while on the campaign trail in October. Photograph: Getty Images

As a 2016 presidential candidate and White House occupant, Donald Trump lambasted NFL players for kneeling during the national anthem in protest at civil rights abuses. Now, set to become the first incumbent president to attend a Super Bowl, it appears that the US’s most popular sport is genuflecting before him.

Trump will reportedly attend the clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in New Orleans as a guest of Gayle Benson, the owner of the New Orleans Saints. A pre-recorded interview conducted by a Fox News anchor will also air during the pre-game show of an event that last year was viewed by more than 123m Americans. And while he watches the action, Trump will not have to stare at a message inspired by the kind of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategies that he is intent on bulldozing.

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