ESPN decided Monday to air a message from President Trump during halftime of the college football national championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame.
Trump was unable to attend the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta as he celebrated his return to the White House and headed to the inauguration balls.
His message, however, was clear: “America’s golden age has begun.”
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President Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, January 20, 2025. (JIM WATSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
“Good morning to my fellow Americans. This has been a historic and exciting day for our country. Over the past few years our people have suffered greatly, but from now on we will bring America back and make it safer, richer and prouder than ever,” Trump said.
“We will have a nation filled with compassion, strength and exceptionalism. With our power and might, we will stop wars and we will bring our world to peace. We will be respected again and admitted again – admired as we haven’t been in many, many years. We will put America first, and in doing so, we will make America great again.
OHIO STATE HOLDS NOTRE DAME TO WIN NATIONAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
The ESPN logo is seen on an electronic screen in Times Square in New York on August 23, 2017. (Reuters/Mike Segar)
“Less than three months after the election, you have already seen this happen. You can feel the enthusiasm and you can see the confidence and spirit returning to our nation. Together, we will lead our country to glorious new heights .America’s golden age has just begun.
“To all the players and fans watching tonight, I know it’s been a long, tough journey. It’s been a long season, but you have two great teams, and you come to the game, you fight hard and you you fight fair and let the best team win. And I will enjoy watching it. Thank you and good night.
ESPN was criticized on social media for deciding to broadcast the message.
President Trump leaves an indoor presidential inauguration parade in Washington, DC, Monday, January 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Trump has previously been seen on ESPN at college football games. He attended the national championship in January 2020 when it was held in New Orleans.
