Trump makes surprise statement during CFP championship halftime segment on ESPN: ‘Historic and exciting day’
President Trump made an appearance during the halftime segment of Monday’s College Football Playoff championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame.
“This has been an historic and exciting day for our country,” Trump said in a pre-taped statement.
“In recent years our people have suffered greatly, but starting now we’re going to bring America back and make it safer, richer, prouder than ever before. We’ll have a nation filled with compassion, strength, and exceptionalism.”
Trump was sworn in as the United States’ 47th president on Monday in the Capital Rotunda.
Trump added during his halftime message that the United States “will stop wars and lead the world to peace.”
“We will be admired again, admired like we haven’t been in many, many years. We’ll put America first, and by doing so we’re going to make America great again.”
Soon after becoming commander in chief, he signed a swarm of executive orders — including an effort to salvage TikTok, curb inflation and remove the US from the Paris climate agreement.
“The golden age of America has just begun,” Trump said to finish off his statement. 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 found itself in hot water earlier this bowl season when it did not air a moment of silence or the national anthem during the Sugar Bowl, a day after an ISIS-inspired terrorist killed 14 and injured dozens more — though the network did air a pre-taped message from Joe Biden.
“With Donald Trump’s Inauguration occurring on the day of the CFP National Championship, it makes sense to include a message from the President, a practice that occurs regularly during major sporting events – including earlier this month from President Biden before the Sugar Bowl,” ESPN said in a statement.
The Buckeyes led the Fighting Irish going at the half, 21-7.