Discover why Trump revoked Eagles’ White House invite in 2018, a decision that sparked political tensions, player protests, and controversy around the NFL’s national anthem protests. Learn about the history, politics, and fallout.
Introduction: The Controversial Revocation of the Eagles’ White House Visit
In the world of sports, winning the Super Bowl is one of the greatest achievements a team can attain.
Traditionally, the winning team is invited to the White House to meet with the President of the United States and receive a ceremonial recognition of their victory.
However, this tradition took a dramatic turn in 2018 when Trump revoked Eagles’ White House invite. The Philadelphia Eagles, who had just won Super Bowl LII, were scheduled to visit Washington, D.C., to meet President Donald Trump.
But after some players chose not to attend due to protests surrounding the national anthem, the White House rescinded the invitation.
This article explores why Trump revoked the Eagles’ White House invite, the political fallout that followed, the players’ protests, and how this decision shook the long-standing tradition of Super Bowl winners visiting the White House.
Additionally, we will examine the broader context of these events, including the history of protests in the NFL, President Trump’s controversial comments, and the national conversation about race and patriotism.
The Tradition of Super Bowl Champions Visiting the White House
A Long-Standing American Tradition
The tradition of Super Bowl-winning teams visiting the White House dates back several decades and has been a hallmark of American sports culture.
It serves as a national recognition of the team’s achievements and is often a moment of celebration for the players, their coaches, and their supporters.
The ceremony was typically non-partisan, as Presidents from both major political parties extended invitations to the victorious teams.
These visits were symbolic of the unifying power of sports, and for many players, the opportunity to visit the White House was a highlight of their careers.
In previous years, these visits were met with enthusiasm, and the teams were received with praise and admiration by the sitting President.
However, this tradition was severely disrupted when Trump revoked the Eagles’ White House invite in 2018, a decision that created an unexpected political storm.
The 2018 Super Bowl Victory: Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots
The Historic Super Bowl LII
Super Bowl LII, held on February 4, 2018, in Minneapolis, featured an unforgettable matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots.
The game is often remembered as one of the most thrilling Super Bowls in history, with a final score of 41-33 in favor of the Eagles.
The Eagles, led by backup quarterback Nick Foles, triumphed over Tom Brady and the Patriots in a game that was marked by high scoring, strategic plays, and a few twists and turns.
For Philadelphia, this was a long-awaited victory. The Eagles had never won a Super Bowl before, and their win was a moment of triumph for the city and its fans.
The Super Bowl victory was seen as a testament to the resilience of the team and their determination to overcome adversity.
The Political Backdrop: National Anthem Protests and President Trump’s Remarks
The Anthem Protests That Sparked National Debate
In the years leading up to the 2018 Super Bowl, the NFL had been rocked by protests during the national anthem.
These protests were initiated by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2016.
Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality against African Americans in the United States.
His protest quickly gained national attention, with other players in the NFL joining in solidarity by kneeling or raising fists during the anthem.
The protests sparked a heated debate across the country about patriotism, freedom of expression, and the role of athletes in social and political issues.
While many supported Kaepernick’s message, others criticized the protest as disrespectful to the flag, the military, and the nation itself.
President Trump’s Reaction to the Protests
President Trump, who took office in January 2017, became one of the most vocal critics of the anthem protests.
He consistently attracted attention by urging NFL team owners to dismiss players who kneeled during the national anthem, labeling the protests as ‘unpatriotic’ and ‘disrespectful.
“These comments deepened the divide between those who saw the protests as a crucial stance for racial equality and those who viewed them as a direct challenge to American ideals.”
The political tension surrounding the protests reached its peak during the 2017 and 2018 NFL seasons, and it was against this backdrop that the Philadelphia Eagles were invited to the White House.
The Eagles’ Response: Player Protests and the White House Invitation
Eagles Players Speak Out Against the White House Visit
In the months following their Super Bowl victory, the Philadelphia Eagles were invited by President Trump to visit the White House and celebrate their triumph.
However, the invitation was not universally accepted by the Eagles’ players.
Several prominent members of the team, including Chris Long, Malcolm Jenkins, and Torrey Smith, made it clear that they would not be attending the White House visit due to their opposition to the President’s stance on the anthem protests.
These players, along with others in the NFL, had been vocal about their commitment to social justice and the fight against racial inequality.
They felt that meeting with President Trump, who had openly criticized the protests, would contradict their beliefs and undermine their cause.
The Eagles’ Decision to Send a Smaller Delegation
In response to the players’ objections, the Eagles organization decided to send a smaller delegation to Washington, D.C., for the event.
The team emphasized that they were still committed to celebrating their victory but that some players felt uncomfortable attending the event due to political differences with the President.
Despite this attempt at compromise, President Trump ultimately chose to rescind the Eagles’ invitation entirely.
He issued a statement declaring that the team would not be coming to the White House, stating that the players disagreed with him because he insisted they stand for the national anthem.
The President’s decision was a direct rejection of the players’ right to protest, further deepening the political divide.
The Fallout: A Divisive Decision with Lasting Impact
Public and Political Reactions to the Revocation
The decision to revoke the Eagles’ White House invite quickly became a national story, with reactions pouring in from all sides.
Supporters of the President applauded his stance, arguing that NFL players should respect the flag and the military.
On the other hand, critics of the President’s actions saw the revocation as an attempt to punish players for speaking out on social issues.
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) issued a statement expressing its disappointment in the White House’s decision, emphasizing that the players were committed to giving back to their communities and supporting the troops.
In Washington, D.C., several community service events that had been planned by the Eagles players were also canceled as a result of the White House’s actions.
The controversy over the revocation of the invitation intensified the ongoing debate over the role of sports in politics and the rights of athletes to express their views.
Conclusion: The Future of NFL Protests and a New Legacy
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, it remains to be seen how players will respond to similar invitations in the future.
Will the Eagles, should they win another Super Bowl, be willing to visit a President whose views may clash with their own? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, the legacy of the Trump revoked Eagles’ White House invite incident continues to shape the conversation around sports and politics in America.
The decision to cancel the Eagles’ White House visit was not just a rejection of one team’s protest—it was a reminder of the deep divisions in American society and the complicated relationship between athletes, politics, and patriotism.
In a related story, Jasmine Paolini recently made history by achieving a remarkable milestone in tennis, showcasing that the world of sports is not only about competition but also about breaking barriers and pushing limits.
The ongoing national conversation about freedom of expression, race, and justice remains as relevant as ever, and the impact of events like the Trump revoked Eagles’ White House invite will continue to resonate for years to come.
In addition to the discussion surrounding the political fallout of Trump revoking the Eagles’ White House invite, it’s important to highlight other moments of historical achievement in the sports world.
One such example is the remarkable feat of Jasmine Paolini, who recently made record-breaking history in the world of tennis.
Paolini’s performance has not only set new records but also inspired many with her perseverance and determination to push beyond limits.
Her achievement serves as a powerful reminder that, much like in football, athletes in all sports can break barriers and leave a lasting impact, transcending their fields and shaping the future of sports worldwide.