Nationwide — Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, a beloved figure both on and off the field, is pushing back against a wave of backlash after being seen golfing with President Donald Trump. Barkley, who rose to fame as a standout at Penn State before becoming the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has built a reputation as a humble, hardworking athlete and a role model for many young Black Americans. His decision to spend time with Trump, a figure seen by many as divisive and racially polarizing, has ignited a firestorm of criticism at a particularly tense time in the country’s racial landscape.According to CBS Sports, the controversy gained traction after Barkley was photographed disembarking Marine One alongside Trump and later golfing at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. This outing occurred just one day before Barkley was scheduled to accompany Trump for a visit to Washington, D.C., on April 28. While questions swirl about whether Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will make an appearance at the White House, Barkley’s public association with Trump has already drawn sharp reactions, particularly among fans who view Trump’s presidency as having fueled racial divisions in America.
Facing mounting criticism on social media, Barkley took to X (formerly Twitter) to defend himself and clarify his actions. He explained that people were upset simply because he played a round of golf and traveled with the president. Barkley underscored his point by emphasizing his respect for the office of the presidency itself, stating that it’s “not a hard concept to understand,” regardless of who holds the title. His defense reflects a broader, often uncomfortable conversation about how Black public figures navigate relationships with political leaders who have controversial reputations.
In his response, Barkley also pointed out that he had previously played golf with former President Barack Obama, signaling that his interactions with political figures are about personal opportunities rather than political endorsements. This clarification, however, did little to cool the controversy, as many critics argue that associating with Trump sends a harmful message at a time when racial tensions, police violence, and voter suppression efforts continue to disproportionately impact Black communities across the country.
Barkley’s decision also highlights the increasingly complicated expectations placed on Black athletes, who are often seen not just as sports figures but also as cultural and political symbols. Many feel that public figures like Barkley must be cautious about the political optics of their actions, especially given Trump’s history of incendiary remarks about race, including his frequent clashes with prominent Black athletes and his equivocal responses to issues like police brutality and white supremacy during his presidency.
Ultimately, Saquon Barkley closed his statement on X by telling critics to get out of his mentions and “have an amazing day,” maintaining a calm and defiant tone. Yet the situation remains a flashpoint for deeper debates in American society about race, power, and responsibility — debates that continue to place figures like Barkley at the center of conversations far beyond the football field.