FLORIDA January 19, 2026 – President Donald J. Trump made a high-profile appearance at the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game on Monday evening, where the Miami Hurricanes faced off against the Indiana Hoosiers at Hard Rock Stadium. During the national anthem, the crowd’s reaction to the president’s presence on the jumbotron was a mix of enthusiastic cheers and audible boos, highlighting the polarized views surrounding his attendance.
The White House shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) capturing the moment, captioning it: “President Donald J. Trump receives massive cheers from the Hard Rock Stadium crowd during the national anthem at the @CFBPlayoff National Championship. ” The clip shows Trump standing in a luxury suite alongside family members, including Ivanka Trump and children, with hands over their hearts as the anthem played. The video, which has garnered over 19,000 views and thousands of likes, emphasizes the positive reception.
However, not all accounts aligned with the White House’s portrayal. Social media erupted with debates, as some attendees and viewers claimed the sounds were predominantly boos, especially from certain sections of the stadium. One X user commented, “They boo’d him,” while others shared clips purporting to show negative reactions. This division mirrors broader national sentiments, with supporters hailing it as a “roar of approval” and critics pointing to boos as evidence of dissent.
Trump, a known sports enthusiast, was joined by notable figures including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Miami native who was seen on the field flashing the Hurricanes’ “The U” hand sign in support of the home team. The president waved to the crowd from his suite, adding to the spectacle before the game kicked off.
The game itself saw Indiana leading Miami 10-0 at halftime, with the Hoosiers’ defense dominating the first half. Trump’s appearance comes amid his ongoing term, where he has frequently attended major sporting events to connect with the public.
Reactions on social media platforms like X and Instagram were swift and varied. Pro-Trump accounts celebrated the moment as evidence of widespread support, with one Instagram post exclaiming, “LISTEN TO THAT CROWD!!!” and praising the reception. Conversely, detractors shared older or similar clips of past boos at events, amplifying claims of a hostile response.
This event underscores the intersection of politics and sports in America, where presidential appearances often spark immediate public discourse. As the game concluded, the focus shifted back to the field, but the crowd’s response to Trump remains a talking point across media outlets.
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