Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley took to social media Monday to defend himself after getting criticism for spending time with President Donald Trump ahead of the team’s scheduled visit to the White House.
Barkley, a former Whitehall High School and Penn State grad, posted on social media site X that some people were upset that he played golf with Trump and flew with the president to the White House.
lol some people are really upset cause I played golfed and flew to the White House with the PRESIDENT. Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand. Just golfed with Obama not too long ago…and look forward to finishing my round with Trump ! Now ya get out my…
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) April 28, 2025
“Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand,” his post reads in part. “Just golfed with Obama not too long ago…and look forward to finishing my round with Trump !”
Barkley was seen Sunday sitting with Trump at the president’s golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey. The running back was also seen leaving Marine One, the presidential helicopter, with Trump.
Trump complimented Barkley, calling him a “nice guy” when he spoke to reporters.
The Eagles were scheduled to visit the White House later Monday following their Super Bowl win earlier this year.
Barkley set an NFL record last season, running for a combined 2,504 yards in the regular season and playoffs, breaking the record set by Terrell Davis for most rushing yards combined. In March, he signed a two-year contract extension with the Eagles, keeping him in Philadelphia through the 2028 season.
Originally Published: April 28, 2025 at 11:25 AM EDT
