This is the hero’s welcome President Trump deserves.
President Donald Trump received a warm and enthusiastic reception Monday night as he attended the College Football Playoff National Championship in Miami, drawing cheers from fans inside Hard Rock Stadium.
As the national anthem played before kickoff between the Miami Hurricanes and the Indiana Hoosiers, Trump stood in a stadium suite and waved to the crowd below. Cameras briefly captured the moment, showing fans applauding and reacting positively as the president acknowledged them.
The president was joined by several members of his family, including his daughter Ivanka Trump and multiple grandchildren. Also present was Kai Trump, the daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and an incoming University of Miami golfer, who appeared smiling and upbeat despite wearing a cast on her arm.
Additional family members in attendance included Lara Trump and Vanessa Trump, reflecting a strong family presence at one of college football’s biggest nights.
Seated near the president were key members of his administration, including White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. According to a White House pool report, UFC President Dana White stopped by the presidential suite during the game as well.
WATCH:
Im in tears. The Crowd goes absolutely wild when they see Trump at the College Football game 🔥
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) January 20, 2026
President Trump is LOVED everywhere pic.twitter.com/sEEneFtNku
Ahead of kickoff, the White House released a statement from the president praising both teams and the spirit of college athletics.
“Melania and I congratulate the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes on reaching the College Football Playoff National Championship,” the statement said. “God bless the players, coaches, families, and fans who make this sport such an important part of American life.”
The president added a message of goodwill, wishing success to both teams and recognizing the dedication required to compete at the highest level.
Trump’s appearance continues a long tradition of attending major college football events. During his first term, he traveled to Atlanta for the 2018 national championship game between Georgia and Alabama. Two years later, he and First Lady Melania Trump attended the championship matchup between LSU and Clemson in New Orleans, where they were greeted with loud applause.
Just last month, Trump took part in the ceremonial coin toss at the historic Army–Navy game in Baltimore, a moment that highlighted the close relationship between college football, patriotism, and military tradition.
In a broader statement celebrating the sport, Trump emphasized the values he believes college football represents.
“At its highest level, college football embodies core American ideals such as family, faith, freedom, unity, and hard work,” the statement said. “The sport emphasizes discipline, perseverance, and excellence — values that develop not just elite athletes, but responsible, resilient Americans.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Miami native and longtime Hurricanes supporter, was also seen on the sidelines before the game, accompanied by his Secret Service detail. At one point, he was observed speaking with former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Tim Tebow.
The championship atmosphere followed another football-related moment last month, when Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were photographed quietly watching the Hurricanes’ Cotton Bowl game on a cellphone during New Year’s Eve festivities at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida.
For many fans, the night was about more than football. It was a reminder of the enduring connection between college sports, national pride, and shared American traditions — values that continue to resonate strongly with millions across the country.
