Off The Record

Viewers Divided When The Camera Shifted To Donald Trump During The Playing Of The National Anthem During The Super Bowl

Published on February 10, 2025

Viewers of the Super Bowl appear to have differing opinions on what transpired as the national anthem panned to Donald Trump.

When the Kansas City Chiefs play the Philadelphia Eagles at the New Orleans Superdome this evening (9 February), the 78-year-old becomes the first sitting US president to attend a Super Bowl.

While Jon Batiste was singing the American anthem in the lead-up to the game, the camera saw Trump and his daughter Ivanka sitting in the seats.

However, several fans believed that the crowd was jeering the incoming president as the Grammy-winning musician was playing.

Someone on X commented, “You guys did not boo Donald Trump loud enough.”

Another was written: “That was pretty s**tty to show Trump during Jon Batiste singing the National Anthem, forced me and half of America to boo.”

Others, meanwhile, were unable to determine if it was a cheer or a boo.

Another person commented: “Did they applaud or boo Trump? Hard to tell.

“Did they boo or cheer Trump at the #SuperBowlLIX?” echoed another.

The first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl is Donald Trump.

“I look forward to joining the fans in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX to cheer on two great teams – the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles – as they battle for the National Football League’s Vince Lombardi Trophy,” Trump said in a statement before the game.

“The coaches, players, and team staff on the field tonight represent the best of the best in professional football, but they also embody the best of the American Dream.

“Their hard work, dedication, and tenacity is admirable, and their individual journeys are as inspiring as the drive and determination that has led them to this extraordinary moment.

“They also represent the hopes and dreams of our Nation’s young athletes as we restore safety and fairness in sports and equal opportunities among their teams.

“Football is America’s most popular sport – for good reason – it fosters a sense of national unity, bringing families, friends, and fans together and strengthening communities.

“This annual tradition transcends our differences and personifies our shared patriotic values of family, faith, and freedom heroically defended by our military service members, law enforcement officers, and first responders.

“We value their devotion to protecting our great Nation and salute their selfless service.”