The Evolving Politics of White House Visits for Championship Teams
For decades, winning the Super Bowl or other major sports championship carried a predictable cadence of celebration: cigars and beer in the locker room, champagne-soaked parades, and a subsequent visit to the White House to meet the president. However, the 2016 election of President Donald Trump ushered in a new era of uncertainty and division surrounding this tradition.
A Tradition in Flux
Historically, visiting the White House after a championship victory was seen as an automatic gesture. Between 2001 and 2016, nearly all Super Bowl-winning teams made the trip, regardless of political differences. But under Trump’s presidency, the tradition has become increasingly fraught.
During Trump’s first term, only one of the four Super Bowl-winning teams made a White House visit. This was largely due to Trump’s criticism of the NFL and its players who protested racial inequality during the national anthem. In 2018, Trump rescinded the Philadelphia Eagles’ invitation on the eve of their scheduled visit, claiming they were attempting a "political stunt."
The Eagles’ Dilemma
With the recent Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl victory, the question of a White House visit has once again come to the forefront. Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson stated that he would be honored to go, but acknowledged that the decision ultimately rests with the team.
Team owner Jeffrey Lurie has declined to comment on the matter, and spokespeople have not responded to inquiries. Given the recent history and Trump’s attendance at the Super Bowl, the issue is likely to loom over the team’s decision-making process.
Political Stakes
Experts argue that the polarized political climate has significantly raised the stakes of a White House visit. "Whatever you do, you’re going to be perceived as supporting a political platform or position," says historian Frank Guridy.
In the past, even if athletes disagreed with the president’s policies, they often attended White House visits as a sign of respect for the office. However, in today’s climate, such visits may be seen as endorsements of the president’s actions.
Gender and Race Divide
During Trump’s first term, the politicization of White House visits extended beyond the NFL to other sports and gender lines. Several championship teams in women’s sports did not receive invitations, and NBA teams, primarily composed of Black players, either declined or were not invited.
The Florida Panthers, an NHL team whose owner is a former Trump appointee, notably visited the White House in the weeks following Trump’s reelection. This visit underscores the partisan nature of these events, with teams and owners aligning themselves with the administration or distancing themselves from it.
Trump’s Sportsmanship
Political science professor Tom Knecht suggests that Trump’s unique approach to sports has contributed to the scrutiny surrounding White House visits. Unlike previous presidents, Trump has used sports to advance his political agenda and polarize public opinion.
Last week, for example, Trump signed an executive order targeting transgender athletes, part of a broader attack on LGBTQ+ rights and diversity initiatives. This move demonstrates how Trump’s politicization of sports extends beyond symbolic visits to the White House.
Uncertain Future
Knecht believes that the politicization of White House visits will continue for the foreseeable future. However, he cautions that the next four years may represent a period of heightened uncertainty.
Guridy, for his part, is less optimistic. He sees Trump’s second term as a manifestation of a broader cultural shift towards polarization and a disregard for civility. As a result, the traditional White House visit may evolve or even vanish altogether.
"It’s a double-edged sword," says Knecht. "It’s a rare opportunity, but there are also personal political values to consider."
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to visit the White House rests with each championship team. However, the increasing politicization of sports and the polarized nature of the current administration have transformed what was once a routine celebration into a complex and controversial matter.
