Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump drew cheers Monday night as he attended the College Football Playoff National Championship game between Indiana and Miami in South Florida.
The president watched the game from a suite at Hard Rock Stadium during pregame festivities alongside his daughter Ivanka Trump and several of his grandchildren.
As the national anthem was performed, President Trump waved to the crowd, prompting applause from fans in the sold-out stadium.
Among those in the suite was Kai Trump, the daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and a future University of Miami golfer. She was seen smiling as television cameras focused on the president’s box. Kai wore a cast on her arm following wrist surgery earlier this month.
Before kickoff, President Trump released a statement congratulating both teams on reaching the national championship game.
“Melania and I congratulate the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes on making it to the College Football Playoff National Championship,” the president said.
“God bless the talented players and dedicated coaches, the families who love and support them, and the faithful fans who cheer them on. May the best team win!”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Miami native and longtime Hurricanes supporter, also attended the game and was seen on the sidelines with his Secret Service detail. Rubio was later spotted speaking with former Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow.
The Hoosiers won 27-21 to complete a perfect 16-0 season.
President Trump, a well-known sports fan, has often attended major football games while in office. He also announced in May that the 2027 NFL Draft will be held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
President Trump made the announcement in the Oval Office alongside NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Washington Commanders team owner Josh Harris and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
“The draft is a celebration of one of our country’s most cherished cultural institutions, and the annual highlights for football fans everywhere,” the president said. “Everyone in the world is going to be watching.”