This is what a real president looks like.
President Donald Trump is making headlines once again as he prepares to attend Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans this Sunday. According to a White House official, though not authorized to speak on the record, Trump is expected to take in the action at the Caesars Superdome when the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET, and the game will air live on FOX.
This matchup between the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs, and the storied Eagles, who are aiming for their second championship title, is a showdown packed with historical significance. The Chiefs have the chance to make history themselves: a victory would give them an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl win—something no other NFL team has ever achieved.
President Trump’s attendance at the Super Bowl is setting a new precedent. While vice presidents have attended the big game in the past, including Spiro Agnew, George H.W. Bush, Al Gore, and Mike Pence, no sitting president has ever made the trip. After leaving office, George H.W. Bush did attend a Super Bowl, even participating in the coin toss at Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans.
Trump’s appearance also comes amidst heightened security measures in the wake of a tragic terrorist attack in the city, which claimed 14 lives and injured dozens more just over a month ago. Federal law enforcement agencies have confirmed that additional security protocols will be in place for the game, especially given the president’s presence.
Before his second term, Trump had already made a point of attending various sporting events, signaling that he values staying connected with the American people and the culture. He was seen at NCAA rivalry games and NFL matchups, showing a genuine interest in the sporting world.
As for the spectacle surrounding the game, pop superstar Taylor Swift, who is dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, is expected to attend. The two have had a high-profile relationship, with Swift openly voicing her opposition to Trump during the 2020 election. This could make for an interesting dynamic if their paths cross.
In addition to his attendance, Trump will sit down for an exclusive interview with Fox News host Bret Baier, which is scheduled to air during the pregame coverage at 3 p.m. ET. While presidential Super Bowl interviews have become somewhat of a tradition, both Trump and his successor, Joe Biden, have opted out of such appearances in the past. However, this one promises to be particularly noteworthy, given the previous tensions between Trump and Baier, who was critical of Trump in a 2023 interview.
Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that her department is working diligently to ensure a safe and secure event for both attendees and viewers at home.
With so much cultural and political significance surrounding this game, Super Bowl 59 is poised to be one for the history books. Whether you’re rooting for the Chiefs to make history with a third Super Bowl win or hoping the Eagles take home their second, one thing is certain: this year’s Super Bowl will be talked about long after the final whistle.