If you keep up with the president on social media, you’re likely familiar with his fiery political commentary and Washington-centric thoughts. That’s Donald Trump, the seasoned politician.
However, there’s a different, less-publicized side to Trump, lurking on the sidelines. This version of Trump is just as outspoken as his political persona, but his focus shifts from “the Democrat party” to “the GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time). Instead of debating political indictments, he champions deserving athletes for Hall of Fame recognition.
Meet Donald Trump, the ultimate sports fan. This year alone, he attended the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500, the U.S. Open, and a Yankees game. Yet, his most candid displays of fandom emerge from his extensive and unfiltered social media activity, which, over more than a decade, has laid bare his unwavering loyalties and core beliefs.
After reviewing thousands of these posts this week, several prominent themes consistently appear.
Showcasing His Sporting Circle
Tom Brady was seen with one of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” hats in his locker as far back as 2015. The president has since praised Brady repeatedly, often hailing him as the greatest quarterback ever.
“Tom Brady would have won if he was throwing a soccer ball. He is my friend and a total winner!”
Golfer Bryson DeChambeau, a professional who competes in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league, proudly represents the Trump Golf brand. He and Trump frequently enjoy rounds of golf together.
“He is a truly tough competitor, even a nasty one, but he also happens to be a great guy.”
A Quest for Greatness and a Fury at Disrespect
Trump is keenly attuned to status and recognition. (Recently, he has been gunning for the Nobel Peace Prize.) He lavishes his favorite athletes with praise and complains when he feels they’ve been snubbed.
Pete Rose, baseball’s all-time hits leader, faced a lifetime ban from the sport in 1989 for betting on his own team. Since 2013, Trump has consistently advocated for Rose’s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, often referring to him as “one of the most magnificent players ever.” This sentiment, as recent polls indicate, is shared by many Americans.
“Baseball, which is dying all over the place, should get off its fat, lazy ass, and elect Pete Rose, even though far too late, into the Baseball Hall of Fame!”
Deion Sanders, the iconic cornerback, counts Trump as a friend. The president notably voiced his displeasure when Sanders’s son, Shedeur, wasn’t drafted in the early rounds of the NFL. (Shedeur is currently playing for the Cleveland Browns.)
“What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID?”
An Unyielding Belief in “Toughness”
Trump firmly believes that the sports field is a crucial arena for men to demonstrate physical prowess. This conviction is particularly evident in his views on football, where he has frequently criticized officiating for undermining what he perceives as the game’s inherent brutality.
“I’m not going to be watching much NFL football anymore. Too time consuming, too boring, too many flags and too soft.”
He has also criticized rules designed to reduce head injuries, such as the league’s new kickoff format. Despite data showing kickoff plays are four times more likely to cause concussions than running and passing plays, and that these changes aim to mitigate risks, Trump remains critical.
“The ball is moving, and the players are not, the exact opposite of what football is all about. “Sissy” football is bad for America, and bad for the NFL!”
Interestingly, the new kickoff rules led to a 17 percent reduction in concussions last season.
The Inevitable Intersection with Politics
An image showing Trump in the locker room at Yankee Stadium highlights his presence in sporting venues. The persona of Trump the sports fan isn’t entirely separate from Trump the politician. Sports arenas and courts often become platforms for activism, a trend Trump generally disapproves of, especially when it leans left.
During his first term, Trump condemned Colin Kaepernick and other athletes who protested police violence by kneeling during the national anthem. When NBA stars LeBron James and Stephen Curry declined White House invitations due to political disagreements, Trump rescinded Curry’s invitation and publicly questioned James’s intellect.
“Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team. Stephen Curry is hesitating, therefore invitation is withdrawn!”
More recently, Trump has urged sports teams to revert to their former, often controversial, names. He reportedly threatened to obstruct a new stadium deal for the Washington Commanders unless they reinstated their old, derogatory name, and he advocated for the Cleveland Guardians to once again be called the Indians.
“Indians are being treated very unfairly. MAKE INDIANS GREAT AGAIN (MIGA)!”
He’s also attributed athletic setbacks to progressive politics. Following the U.S. women’s soccer team’s loss to Sweden in 2023, Trump blamed “Crooked Joe Biden” and labeled the players as unpatriotic, famously stating, “WOKE EQUALS FAILURE.”
Ultimately, Trump views sports much like he views politics: a fiercely competitive arena where strength defines winners and weakness defines losers. For him, toughness, unwavering loyalty, and patriotism are inextricably linked virtues.
THE LATEST NEWS
Middle East
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Current diplomatic efforts are focused on talks in Cairo between Israeli and Hamas negotiators, aiming to end the conflict in Gaza and secure the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
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A key sticking point remains Hamas’s refusal to disarm, a primary demand from Netanyahu.
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Meanwhile, observers note that Israel remains deeply divided two years after the October 7 attack.
Trump Administration
Joseph King, 42, a U.S. Army trainee.
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The Defense Secretary credits a belief in Trump for the recent surge in U.S. Army recruitment, though a specific program was crucial to its success.
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The White House has also halted or reduced billions in funding to Democratic-led cities and states following the federal government shutdown.
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In other news, the Secretary of Homeland Security indicated that immigration officers would have a strong presence at the Super Bowl, where Latin superstar Bad Bunny is scheduled to perform.
Other Big Stories
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Syria is conducting its first parliamentary elections since the removal of Bashar al-Assad, marking a significant political event.
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A recent investigation revealed that private equity investors hold substantial influence over drug trials.
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Tragic news from Brooklyn reports two teenage girls, suspected of subway surfing, were found deceased atop a J train.
THE SUNDAY DEBATE
Does the military need stricter standards for grooming and fitness, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last week?
No. Critics argue that Trump and Hegseth prioritize superficial improvements in appearance and fitness over critical operational and training needs. One columnist notes that President Donald Trump consistently favors outward presentation and eager compliance over actual experience and competence.
Yes. Conversely, some believe that maintaining the highest standards in every aspect of the U.S. military, including appearance, is the most effective way to deter conflict.
FROM OPINION
Lebanese citizens have grown accustomed to their nation’s inefficient courts and decaying infrastructure. This should be viewed not as resilience, but as resignation, according to Nada Bakri.
Molly Jong-Fast suggests that the NFL chose Bad Bunny to headline the Super Bowl halftime show because “woke” initiatives are proving profitable for businesses.
Columns by Ross Douthat explore progressives’ authoritarian tendencies, while Maureen Dowd discusses a new AI actress.
MORNING READS
Lifestyle managers: For an annual fee of $50,000, private concierges are becoming a popular luxury, handling everything from exclusive dinner reservations to intricate travel arrangements for the wealthy.
Celebrities for justice: Amal and George Clooney recently hosted a star-studded award ceremony in London recognizing efforts for justice.
Vows: A couple’s story highlights how early disclosure of bipolar disorder didn’t deter their relationship.
A respected figure: Belva Davis, the pioneering Black woman television reporter on the West Coast, passed away at 92. She overcame significant personal challenges to become a beloved news anchor for almost five decades in the Bay Area.
SPORTS
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N.F.L.: Mark Sanchez, a former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports commentator, was charged with battery after being involved in a stabbing incident in Indianapolis. He is reported to be in stable condition.
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M.L.B.: The Blue Jays dominated the Yankees with a 10-1 victory in the ALDS, marking Toronto’s first postseason win in nine years.
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College football: Arch Manning, quarterback for Texas, continued his challenging season with a 29-21 loss to Florida, whose defense proved formidable against Manning and his offensive line.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
“Shadow Ticket,” by Thomas Pynchon: The 88-year-old literary icon returns with his first novel in twelve years. This old-fashioned noir follows a missing cheese heiress and a perpetually unlucky private eye. One critic, Dwight Garner, notes that if a film adaptation were made, it would likely be a musical. He adds that Pynchon skillfully extracts enough paranoia, both satirical and genuine, from the industrial production of curds and whey to energize a major city in this “Great Cheese Novel” of Western literature.
More on books
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For those new to Pynchon, a guide is available to help navigate his works.
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If you’re seeking horror books that offer both emotional depth and social critique, there are recommended titles.
THE INTERVIEW
Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat from California, was recently involved in an incident where he was pushed to the ground and handcuffed at a Homeland Security Secretary news conference on immigration. In an interview, Padilla discusses the Trump administration’s immigration policies, California’s significant role in national discussions, and his potential gubernatorial run next year.
On the conversation with the Secretary: Padilla expressed no surprise at the lack of an apology, given the administration’s usual demeanor. He sought statistics on detained individuals beyond those highlighted in a press conference, particularly concerning those without violent criminal histories.
On being misnamed “Jose Padilla” by Vice President JD Vance: Padilla called it a petty attempt to ridicule Latinos, stating he wears the name “Jose” with pride, acknowledging many hard-working individuals share it. He reiterated that if a senator receives such treatment for asking questions, it serves as a “wake-up call” for how countless others are treated, especially when cameras aren’t present. He warned of National Guard troops appearing in major cities, signaling a “very, very heady time” for the country.
THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE
This week’s issue of the magazine is available.
THE MORNING RECOMMENDS …
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Read your children one of these excellent books, as suggested by Times editors and writers.
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Celebrate Halloween with tasteful, non-junky decorations.
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Gawk at luxurious baby strollers you’re unlikely to purchase.
MEAL PLAN
Emily Weinstein’s newsletter, “Five Weeknight Dishes,” features the customizable burrito bowl this week—an ideal “cook once, feed many” option. It starts with a simple rice-and-beans foundation, allowing everyone to personalize it with their preferred toppings like corn salsa, cheese, avocado, and shredded chicken.
NOW TIME TO PLAY
Today’s Spelling Bee puzzle is ready. Yesterday’s pangrams included “chained,” “echidna,” “enchained,” and “hacienda.”
Test your historical knowledge with this week’s Flashback quiz, placing eight events—from the first government shutdowns to the creation of “Cinderella”—in chronological order.
Also available are today’s Mini Crossword, Wordle, Sudoku, Connections, and Strands.
Thanks for spending part of your weekend with The Times.
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