Eagles Skip White House Visit Amid Trump Tensions

Feb. 24, 2025, 6:42 am ET

Instant Insight

30-Second Take

  • The Philadelphia Eagles have decided not to visit the White House after their Super Bowl win.
  • This decision is rooted in past tensions with President Trump.
  • The team’s stance reflects broader political divisions in the sports world.

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Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh from their Super Bowl victory, have chosen not to visit the White House, a decision influenced by their past experience with President Trump. In 2018, after the Eagles’ previous Super Bowl win, President Trump rescinded the team’s invitation due to player protests against systemic racism during the national anthem.

Core Players

  • Jalen Hurts – Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
  • Donald Trump – President Trump
  • Philadelphia Eagles – Super Bowl LIX champions
  • National Football League (NFL) – Governing body of American football

Key Numbers

  • 2018: Year the Eagles’ White House visit was rescinded by Trump.
  • Super Bowl LIX: The championship game won by the Eagles in 2025.
  • Several: Number of Eagles players who protested systemic racism by kneeling during the national anthem in 2018.

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The Catalyst

The Eagles’ decision to skip the White House visit is a direct response to the historical tensions between the team and President Trump. In 2018, President Trump canceled the team’s visit after several players indicated they would not attend due to his criticism of NFL players kneeling during the national anthem to protest systemic racism.

Inside Forces

The team’s internal dynamics have been influenced by the strong stance of several key players and the front office. Players like Jalen Hurts and other teammates have been vocal about their opposition to Trump’s policies and actions. This collective stance has led to a unified decision against visiting the White House.

Power Dynamics

The relationship between the Eagles and Trump is complex and contentious. Trump’s previous actions, including his public criticism of NFL players and the rescission of the Eagles’ White House invitation, have created a deep-seated mistrust. This power dynamic has influenced the team’s decision to maintain their distance from the current administration.

Outside Impact

The broader implications of this decision extend beyond the sports world. It highlights the ongoing intersection of sports and politics in America. The Eagles’ stance could influence other teams and athletes in their interactions with political figures and events.

Future Forces

Looking ahead, this decision may set a precedent for future interactions between sports teams and the White House. It also underscores the ongoing debate about the role of politics in sports and the responsibilities of athletes as public figures.

Data Points

  • 1969: The year the tradition of Super Bowl winners visiting the White House began under President Jimmy Carter.
  • 2018: The year President Trump canceled the Eagles’ White House visit.
  • 2025: The year the Eagles won Super Bowl LIX and decided not to visit the White House.
  • Several: Number of Eagles players who have publicly opposed Trump’s policies.

The decision by the Philadelphia Eagles to skip the White House visit reflects a deeper societal divide and the evolving role of sports in political discourse. As athletes continue to use their platforms to express their views, the intersection of sports and politics is likely to remain a significant issue.