President Donald Trump said the annual event “personifies” the shared patriotic values of Americans before arriving at Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Trump has issued an official White House statement expressing his excitement for Big Easy ahead of his departure from Palm Beach International Airport.
“We look forward to joining New Orleans fans with Super Bowl LIX fans and supporting two great teams in Kansas City, the Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Afterwards, Trump welcomed Chiefs and Eagles participants as embodying the American dream for American youth and role models for American youth before announcing unity to nurture the game.
Tonight, the field's coaches, players and team staff represent the best in professional football, but they also embody the best in the American Dream. Their hard work, dedication and tenacity are praiseworthy, and their individual journeys are as inspiring as the willingness and determination that led them to this extraordinary moment. They also represent the hopes and dreams of young athletes in our country in restoring sports safety and equity and equal opportunities between teams.
Football is America's most popular sport – for good reason, it cultivates a sense of unity in the nation, brings together family, friends and fans, and strengthens the community. This annual tradition transcends our differences and presents the shared patriotic values of family, faith and freedom heroically defended by our military members, law enforcement officers and first responders. It will personify. We value their dedication to protecting their great nation and honour their selfless service.
Trump's attendance at the game comes just five weeks after the horrifying January 1st terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, New Orleans. Terror, identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, plowed a pickup truck through the crowd, killing 14 and injuring 35.
“Thousands of fans from all over our country gather in New Orleans to cheer on our favourite teams, but were tragically killed by a pointless terrorist attack while celebrating the New Year on Bourbon Street. I remember that 14 families of my loved ones are missing,” Trump said Sunday.
“Our idea is also 35 individuals injured during the attack that changed that fateful night forever, and our prayers remained with them for continuous strength, comfort and healing. “I'll do that,” he continued.
