President Trump had a message for Americans and the players on the field
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ESPN on Monday decided to air a message from President Trump during halftime of the college football national championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame.
Trump could not make the game, which took place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, as he was celebrating his return to the White House and going to inauguration balls.
His message, however, was clear: "the golden age of America has begun."
President Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, 2025. (JIM WATSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
"Hello to my great, fellow Americans. This has been a historic and exciting day for our country. In recent years, our people have suffered greatly, but starting now, we’re going to bring America back and make it safer, richer and prouder than ever before," Trump said.
"We’ll have a nation filled with compassion, strength and exceptionalism. Through our power and might, we will stop wars, and we will bring our world to peace. We will be respected again, and we will be admitted again — admired like we haven’t been in many, many years. We’ll put America first, and by doing so, we’re gonna make America great again.
OHIO STATE HOLDS OFF NOTRE DAME TO WIN COLLEGE FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
The ESPN logo is seen on an electronic display in Times Square in New York City on Aug. 23, 2017. (REUTERS/Mike Segar)
"In less than three months since the election, you have already seen it happening. You can feel the excitement, and you can see the confidence and spirit returning to our nation. Together we are going to lead our county to glorious new heights. The golden age of America has just begun.
"To all of the players and fans watching tonight, I know it’s been a long and difficult journey. It’s been a long season, but you have two tremendous teams, and get to the game and go out and fight hard and fight fair and let the better team win. And I’m going to enjoy watching it. Thank you, and good night."
ESPN caught social media flak for deciding to air the message.
Nobody asked for Trump to be on ESPN during a college football championship halftime
— Steven R (@re2pectjeta) January 21, 2025
How bizarre and inappropriate to see a Donald Trump partisan message during halftime of the CFP championship game. ESPN, what are you thinking?
— Dave Scott (@DaveScottSC) January 21, 2025
Whyyyy did @espn give Trump airtime during the National Championship Game??? WTF WAS THAT??? pic.twitter.com/ZcrWZLBw2z
— DJ Commish (@djcommish) January 21, 2025
Don’t need Trump propaganda amid halftime, @espn
— David Pepper (@DavidPepper) January 21, 2025
Thank you.
glaze + cringe by ESPN
— Top J (Alpha Male) 👑 (@HardRight2025) January 21, 2025
President Trump departs an indoor Presidential Inauguration Parade event in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Trump has been seen on ESPN at college football games before. He attended the national championship in January 2020 when it took place in New Orleans.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
