Viewers of the College Football Playoff National Championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame were unexpectedly greeted by a message from the newly inaugurated President Donald Trump at halftime on Monday night. ESPN host Rece Davis, accompanied by analysts Nick Saban and Desmond Howard, acknowledged that it was Inauguration Day and quickly transitioned to a pre-taped statement from President Trump.
ESPN played a video message from President Donald Trump during halftime of the CFP National Championship Game. pic.twitter.com/mWpQjjH9Ko
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“Hello to my great fellow Americans. This has been a historic and exciting day for our country. In recent years our people have suffered greatly, but starting now we’re going to bring America back and make it safer, richer, prouder than ever before. We’ll have a nation filled with compassion, strength, and exceptionalism. Through our power and might we will stop wars and we will lead the world to peace. We will be respected again and we will be admired again. Admired like we haven’t been in many years. We’ll put America first, and by doing so, we’re going to make America great again. In less than three months since the election, you have already seen it happening. You can feel the excitement and you can see the confidence and spirit returning to our nation. Together we’re going to lead our country to glorious new heights. The Golden Age of America has just begun. To all of the players and fans watching tonight, I know it’s been a long and difficult journey; it’s been a long season. You have two tremendous teams, so get to the game, fight hard and fight fair, and let the better team win. I’m looking forward to watching it. Thank you and good night.”
The statement caught many viewers off guard, as they did not expect to hear from President Trump during the broadcast. While ESPN has featured messages from sitting presidents before, such as a statement from then-President Joe Biden aired earlier this month during the Sugar Bowl, opinions are divided on its appropriateness in sports broadcasts.
ESPN commented, “With Donald Trump’s Inauguration occurring on the day of the CFP National Championship, it makes sense to include a message from the President, a practice that occurs regularly during major sporting events – including earlier this month from President Biden.”
However, the tradition seems outdated, especially in an increasingly polarized political climate where many view sports as a refuge from political discourse. Given the current divisive atmosphere, sports networks might find it prudent to avoid political commentary, as it risks alienating significant portions of their audience. President Trump’s remarks were not devoid of political undertones; rather than simply congratulating the teams, he acknowledged the hardships faced by Americans in recent years.
Regardless of viewers’ political leanings, they tuned into ESPN on Monday night for the excitement of the College Football Playoff National Championship, not for political analysis.
This statement occurred in a context influenced by other events, including Disney’s recent settlement of a defamation lawsuit with President Trump regarding comments made by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos, who coincidentally appeared on ESPN’s pregame show that evening. Following this settlement, the implications of President Trump’s halftime message appear far more complex.
