Pat McAfee, host of The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN, defended his decision to feature President Donald Trump during the program’s special Veterans Day edition on November 11, 2025. The episode was broadcast from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina, as part of ESPN’s tribute to U.S. service members. President Trump joined the show via phone call, discussing sports, leadership, and the military in an appearance that quickly generated widespread attention online.
While some viewers questioned the inclusion of a political figure on a sports-centered show, others praised the timing, noting that the interview aligned with Veterans Day and Trump’s role as Commander-in-Chief. McAfee addressed the wave of reactions shortly after the segment aired, standing by the decision and emphasizing the show’s intent to honor the holiday and its audience.
Pat McAfee Addresses The Backlash Over Donald Trump
Following the interview, Pat McAfee spoke directly to viewers who were critical of his decision. He then said, “I will like to say, though, for the immediate people that are gonna mad about that happening — it’s the President of the United States. It’s Veterans Day. He’s the Commander-in-Chief. Obviously, if we have the opportunity to talk to him, we’re going to … and he’s hilarious!”
According to Fox News, McAfee confirmed that his team had invited former President Barack Obama to join the show as well, but scheduling did not allow it. When Trump’s team accepted the invitation, McAfee said it was fitting to include the sitting President during a Veterans Day broadcast from a U.S. military base.
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For those unaware, the conversation between McAfee and President Trump lasted roughly twenty minutes. During the segment, Trump touched on a range of sports topics: from the NFL’s new kickoff rules and Team USA’s recent Ryder Cup defeat to his thoughts on how football coaches might fare as military generals. He also took time to commend America’s veterans and active-duty service members for their dedication and sacrifice.
The appearance followed Trump’s attendance at the Detroit Lions vs. Washington Commanders game, where he was met with a mixed reception that included boos from parts of the crowd. Later, he shared a clip on Truth Social highlighting Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown’s touchdown celebration, which he dubbed the “Trump Dance.”
The discussion on McAfee’s show added to a string of recent headlines surrounding the former president, including ongoing debates over his push to have the Commanders’ new stadium named in his honor.
White House Backs Proposal To Name Washington’s New NFL Stadium After Donald Trump
The White House has officially expressed its support for naming the upcoming Washington Commanders stadium after President Donald Trump, calling the proposal “beautiful.” According to reports from the BBC and ESPN, discussions are underway between Trump administration officials and the NFL franchise’s ownership regarding the $3.7 billion project, which is being constructed on the site of the former RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
Demolition of the historic venue is already in progress to make room for the state-of-the-art facility. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the BBC that naming the new stadium after the President would serve as a fitting tribute, stating, “That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible.”
In a departure from tradition, sources told ESPN that Trump does not plan to purchase the naming rights or seek a corporate sponsor for the title, unlike most NFL teams, which typically sell such rights for tens of millions of dollars.
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Instead, he wants the stadium to bear his name in recognition of his role in securing the project’s approval. If finalized, the Commanders’ new home would join the long list of properties already associated with the Trump brand, including hotels, golf resorts, and skyscrapers displaying his name in gold lettering.
The proposal also aligns with several other projects Trump has reportedly initiated in the capital, including the planned construction of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom in the White House East Wing and a monumental “Arc de Trump” on the National Mall.
