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Affront: Eagles reject White House invite after Super Bowl win

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 09: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Eagles are set to turn down a traditional White House visit after their Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, sources have revealed. The decision marks a continuation of tensions between the team and President Donald Trump, who previously clashed with Eagles players over their stance on social justice issues.

A team-wide decision to decline

The Philadelphia Eagles won’t travel to the White House if they win the Super Bowl Credit: Getty

According to a well-placed insider, discussions between players and team executives resulted in a “massive no” when asked whether they would accept an invitation to Washington. “We focus on the game for now, but if we win the Super Bowl, we wouldn’t go to the White House,” a member of the ownership group stated.

A current player echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the team’s commitment to its values. “We represent a city and a state that is pushing for equal rights, respect, and values that respect every human being,” he said. “We won’t forget what happened and the criticism we received for taking a stand against racism.”

A history of snubbing Trump

The Eagles famously rejected a White House visit in 2018 after winning their first Super Bowl, citing Trump’s comments on NFL players who took a knee during the national anthem. Trump uninvited the team at the time, stating, “They disagree with their President because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem.”

Despite only four players remaining from that championship team—Jake Elliott, Rick Lovato, Brandon Graham, and Lane Johnson—the sentiment among the roster remains the same. Owner Jeff Lurie, a known critic of Trump, has also remained tight-lipped about a potential visit, only stating, “I just want to win on Sunday.”

Kansas City embraces Trump

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 09: Travis Kelce, Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey, Patrick Mahomes, Isiah Pacheco of the Kansas City Chiefs enter the field during the Super Bowl LIX Pregame at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation)

While the Eagles stand firm in their rejection, the Kansas City Chiefs appear to be on friendlier terms with the Trump administration. Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker publicly endorsed Trump’s campaign last fall, and team owner Clark Hunt’s wife, Tavia, has voiced her support for the former president on social media.

Super Bowl champions traditionally receive VIP treatment at the White House weeks after their win, but with the Eagles standing firm, another awkward public fallout with Trump may be on the horizon.

Herbert Bauernebel

Herbert Bauernebel has been reporting from New York since 1999 and currently works for Bild.de, OE24 TV, and US Live. He also runs the news portal AmerikaReport.de. Bauernebel has covered nearly all major US events of the past quarter-century, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Barack Obama’s election, Donald Trump’s surprise victory, the pandemic, last year’s election showdown, as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes and oil spills. He has also reported firsthand on international events, including the Asian tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and the Fukushima disaster. He lives in Brooklyn with his family and holds degrees in communication and political science from the University of Vienna. Bauernebel is the author of a book about his experiences on 9/11, And the Air Was Full of Ash: 9/11 – The Day That Changed My Life.