Trump celebrated the Philadelphia Eagles’ NFL championship at the White House on Monday and endorsed the team’s controversial “tush push” play — or “Brotherly Shove” — amid debates on whether it should be banned.
The president in his Super Bowl pregame interview with Fox News picked the Kansas City Chiefs to win over the Eagles. But he seemed to now be a Philly fan, going into great detail about the Eagles’ season and run through the playoffs.
President Donald Trump speaks as he welcomes the Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, April 28, 2025.
Leah Millis/Reuters
“The Eagles scored a touchdown on their signature play, the ‘tush push,'” Trump said, referencing the team’s NFC championship game against the Washington Commanders, later adding, “I hope they keep that play, Coach,” he said to Eagles Coach Nick Sirianni.
“You know they’re talking about getting rid of that play, I understand. They should keep it, what do you think Saquon?” Trump continued, turning to running back Saquon Barkley. “I like it. It’s sort of exciting and different.”
President Donald Trump greets Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley alongside head coach Nick Sirianni at an event welcoming the 2025 Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles to the White House, April 28, 2025 in Washington.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
There were several notable absences from the celebration, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, star wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and recently retired defensive end Brandon Graham.
Though Hurts was absent, Trump had positive comments about him, saying the quarterback “had a great season and a great game.”
-ABC News’ Fritz Farrow, Karen Travers, Lauren Peller and Lauren Minore