(NewsNation) — Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is defending his decision to spend time with President Donald Trump last weekend.
“Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand. Just golfed with Obama not too long ago…and look forward to finishing my round with Trump !” Barkley said in a Monday social media post.
Barkley golfed with Trump at the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey on Sunday. That same day, he traveled to Washington, D.C., with the president — earning the star player some backlash.
Barkley’s post also directed readers to “get out my mentions with all this politics and have amazing day.”
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Barkley played his first five seasons in the NFL with the New York Giants before signing with the Eagles last year.
He was one of the Birds’ top players and helped lead them to a 2025 Super Bowl win, earning them a ring, some cash and a trip to the nation’s capital.
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Barkley and his Super Bowl-winning squad were scheduled to visit the White House on Monday.
The Eagles didn’t make the Washington, D.C., trip after their 2018 win during Trump’s first term. A large number of players opted out of the trip due to Trump’s criticism of players protesting during the national anthem over police brutality and racial inequality.
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The team’s absence prompted the White House to throw a “celebration of America” instead.
Trump has already met with the LA Dodgers, the winners of the 2024 World Series, earlier this month.
