On April 28, 2025, NFL star Saquon Barkley took to X to respond to criticism he received for golfing and traveling to the White House with the President of the United States. In a post that garnered 8.5 million views, Barkley, a running back known for his time with the New York Giants and now with the Philadelphia Eagles, expressed amusement at the controversy, stating, “LOL some people are really upset cause I played golf and flew to the White House with the PRESIDENT. MAYBE I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand.”
Barkley’s post highlights his perspective on the situation, emphasizing that his actions were a sign of respect for the office of the President rather than an endorsement of any particular political figure. He also noted a previous golf outing with former President Barack Obama, suggesting that his interactions with political leaders transcend party lines. “Just golfed with Obama not too long ago… and look forward to finishing my round with Trump!” he added, concluding with a lighthearted message to his followers: “Now ya get out my mentions with all this politics and have amazing day.”
The post comes at a time when Barkley, a prominent figure in the NFL, has been under scrutiny for his off-field activities. His decision to golf with President Trump, whose polarizing political presence often sparks debate, appears to have drawn ire from some fans who viewed the interaction as a political statement. However, Barkley’s response underscores his intention to separate his actions from political implications, focusing instead on the symbolic importance of the presidency.
Barkley’s mention of golfing with both Obama and Trump also reflects a broader trend among athletes who engage with high-profile political figures as part of their public personas. Golf, in particular, has long been a sport associated with networking and relationship-building, often bridging gaps between athletes, politicians, and other influential figures. Barkley’s casual tone and use of laughing emojis suggest he is unbothered by the criticism, choosing instead to focus on the positive aspects of these experiences.
As of now, Barkley has not elaborated further on the matter, but his post has sparked conversations online about the intersection of sports, politics, and public perception. For Barkley, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the NFL’s most dynamic players, this moment serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face when navigating their personal actions in the public eye. Whether this controversy will have a lasting impact on his reputation remains to be seen, but for now, Barkley seems content to let the critics talk while he enjoys his time on the green.
