Donald Trump’s second term as President of the United States will coincide with several historic events in the world of sports, garnering attention from both the political and global spheres. The first significant event is the White House visit by the college football national champion, marking a new era with a 12-team playoff system and realignment of prominent conferences. College football has shown support for Trump during his first term, with no notable coach speaking out against him publicly. The potential for an underdog team to win the national title creates a unique story for Trump’s second term.
The WNBA will also be a focal point during Trump’s second term, with the possibility of a championship team visiting the White House. Despite declining invitations to previous women’s basketball champions, Trump has shown admiration for newcomers like Caitlin Clark and discussed their talents in interviews. The reigning WNBA champion New York Liberty may have to decide whether to attend a White House visit if invited, given the political views of some of the team’s players and the growing prominence of stars like Clark in the sport.
In 2026, Trump is set to preside over the FIFA World Cup, an event he played a role in securing for the U.S. despite earlier predictions that he would not be in office at the time. While Trump may have interactions with soccer stars like Kylian Mbappé, who has shown both support and criticism for political figures, the atmosphere at the event remains uncertain. Trump potentially faces challenges in handling political implications surrounding the tournament, as well as the expected participation of powerhouse countries that may have differing views on his leadership.
The NFL could see the Kansas City Chiefs embarking on a quest for a third straight Super Bowl as Trump begins his second term, potentially leading to a White House visit for the team. Notable players on the team, such as Travis Kelce, have connections to individuals who have shown opposition to Trump, creating potential dilemmas for them if invited. With other NFL teams like the Philadelphia Eagles also aiming for Super Bowl victories, the prospect of controversial White House visits looms large under Trump’s presidency.
In 2028, the Los Angeles Olympics will take place, an event that Trump was involved in securing for the U.S. However, cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has not been as openly embraced as with FIFA, with potential conflicts arising over gender eligibility policies in women’s sports. Trump has expressed intentions to ban trans athletes from women’s sports, a stance that may clash with the IOC’s stance on inclusion. The IOC’s tradition of neutrality may also impact acknowledgment of Trump’s presidency.
Lastly, the NBA will see stars like LeBron James and Steph Curry approaching the twilight of their careers during Trump’s second term. Both players have been vocal critics of Trump while endorsing Democrat candidates in previous elections. The likelihood of an NBA champion visiting the White House under Trump remains uncertain, with the potential retirement of key players shifting the dynamics in the league. Overall, Trump’s second term is poised to witness significant moments across various sports, revealing the intersection of politics and athletics in a unique and compelling manner.
