Trump's 2025 Sports Engagements and Strategic Use of Athletics
In 2025, Donald Trump made a historic and highly visible presence in the sports world, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to attend the Super Bowl. His appearances extended to the Daytona 500, where Air Force One hovered overhead and his armored limousine led ceremonial laps. Trump also showed up at the NCAA men's wrestling championships, UFC events in Miami and New Jersey, and the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, where he received enthusiastic receptions.
Additional stops included the Ryder Cup held at Bethpage and a LIV Golf event at Doral, as well as appearances around the U.S. Open men's final. At the U.S. Open, the U.S. Tennis Association requested broadcasters censor protests or reactions to his presence. Trump further attended the World Cup draw and was awarded FIFA’s Peace Prize, a moment described as a significant achievement boosting his visibility.
The article highlights how Trump strategically uses sport as a platform to hold rallies, boost visibility, and network with donors, treating sporting venues as stages to project power and suppress dissent. Miriam Adelson, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, was cited as a major contributor who donated approximately $100 million to Trump's reelection campaign and pledged $250 million more for a potential third term.
Maintaining a close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump plans to leverage the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will host, to enhance his international legitimacy. The piece also forecasts that Trump will commemorate his 80th birthday with a UFC event on the White House South Lawn, underlining the use of sport as a vehicle to promote his culture-war messaging and national storytelling.
