President Trump walks with Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley before boarding Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport April 27, 2025, in Morristown, New Jersey. (Credit: Evan Vucci/Associated Press)
The Philadelphia Eagles are set to visit the White House today to celebrate their Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
The ceremony, scheduled for 4 p.m. on the South Lawn, will be hosted by President Donald Trump, marking the team's first White House visit following a championship win.
This visit comes seven years after the Eagles' previous Super Bowl victory in 2018, when the team did not attend the White House due to political disagreements and the subsequent rescinding of their invitation by then-President Trump.
In contrast, this year's invitation was "enthusiastically accepted," according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie emphasized the significance of the tradition, previously stating, "We just felt that this is a time-honored tradition, being invited by the White House." He also noted that attendance is optional for players, acknowledging that some may choose not to participate.
Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts has not confirmed his attendance. When asked at the TIME100 Gala about the visit, Hurts responded with an awkward "Um" before ending the interview.
Will Jalen Hurts visit the White House next week? pic.twitter.com/a82rZwnK0a
In contrast, running back Saquon Barkley was seen spending time with President Trump at Trump's golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey, over the weekend. The two traveled together to Washington, D.C., on Marine One.
President Trump exits helicopter and walks with Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.
Trump: "What a nice guy he is. I wanted to race him but I decided not to do it." pic.twitter.com/RRcDFEw62y
Trump told reporters about Barkley, "What a nice guy he is. I wanted to race him, but I decided not to do it."
The Eagles' visit today underscores a renewed commitment to the tradition of championship teams visiting the White House, setting aside past political tensions.
