The Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly decided to decline a potential invitation to the White House following their Super Bowl LIX victory, continuing a precedent set in 2018. This decision underscores the ongoing tensions between the team and President Donald Trump.
Reports indicate that the Eagles plan to forgo the traditional White House visit. An anonymous source within the team confirmed this stance, stating that the team prefers to focus on their game performance rather than engage in political events.
This development echoes the events of 2018 when the Eagles were disinvited from the White House after winning Super Bowl LII. At that time, President Trump canceled the event due to disagreements over some players’ plans to abstain from attending, primarily in response to his stance on national anthem protests.
The team’s owner, Jeffrey Lurie, has been a vocal advocate for social justice and has previously expressed criticism of President Trump’s policies. This ideological divide has contributed to the strained relationship between the Eagles and the current administration.
In contrast, President Trump has announced that the Kansas City Chiefs will visit the White House following their previous inability to do so after their 2020 Super Bowl win due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit is scheduled to occur after an April 28 White House ceremony for the Philadelphia Eagles, who recently defeated the Chiefs 40-22 in New Orleans.
The tradition of championship teams visiting the White House has become increasingly politicized in recent years, reflecting broader societal divisions. The Eagles’ decision highlights the complex interplay between sports and politics, as teams navigate their roles in broader cultural conversations.
As of now, no official invitation has been extended to the Eagles for a White House visit. The team has not publicly commented on their intentions, and it remains to be seen how this situation will evolve in the coming weeks.
