Supporters of Donald Trump blasted ESPN after the network aired a message from the president during the college football national championship on Monday.
Trump appeared on ESPN’s coverage during halftime of the CFP final between Ohio State and Notre Dame.
It happened just hours after he was sworn in for a second term as president, following victory over Kamala Harris in the November election.
Trump told viewers that “America’s golden age is just beginning.” He also congratulated both Notre Dame and Ohio State – “two great teams” – on reaching the national championship after a “long season.”
The video message went viral on social media, with many Trump fans mocking ESPN for putting him on their network.
“ESPN is furious that they just had to put on Trump,” one fan wrote on X. “ESPN just played Trump?!? We’ll be right back, honey. Wokeness is DEATH,” said another.
Donald Trump delivered a message to football fans during the CFP national championship
His message was broadcast Monday during halftime of Ohio State’s game against Notre Dame
“I never thought I’d see Trump on ESPN. Suck it, libs!’ added a third. “ESPN – we repeat, ESPN – airs a message from President Trump during halftime of the national championship game,” said another. “This wasn’t on the bingo card.”
The 78-year-old is a big fan of college football and in September he was among those in attendance at Alabama’s huge showdown with Georgia – despite major security concerns following two assassination attempts.
“Hello to my wonderful fellow Americans. This was a historic and exciting day for our country,” Trump said in his message on Monday.
“In recent years, our people have suffered greatly, but from now on we are going to bring America back. And make it safer, richer and prouder than ever before.
“We will have a nation full of compassion, strength and exceptionalism. By our strength and might we will stop wars and lead the world to peace. We will be respected and admired again – admired in a way we have not been in many years.
“We will put America first and by doing that, we will make America great again. In less than three months after the election, you’ve already seen it happen. You can feel the excitement 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 is just beginning.
“To all the players and fans watching tonight, I know it has been a long and difficult journey. It’s been a long season, but you have two great teams.
“Get to work, go out there and fight hard, fight fair and let the better team win. I’ll enjoy watching it. Thank you and good night.’