Saquon Barkley attended the Met Gala in New York City on Monday, joining several sports stars and a host of world famous celebrities at the iconic art gallery and museum
Andrew Gamble Sports Trends Writer
00:28, 06 May 2025
Saquon Barkley was upset when fans questioned why he would hang out with President Donald Trump(Image: Getty Images)
Philadelphia Eagles superstar Saquon Barkley attended the glitzy Met Gala in New York in his first public appearance since hanging out with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Barkley caused a stir last month ahead of the Eagles’ White House visit to celebrate their Super Bowl triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans. The running back chatted and spent time playing golf with the U.S. President at Trump National Golf Club – and then took to social media to ferociously defend his decision to hang with the 78-year-old.
While Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts decided to skip the White House visit, along with several other players, Barkley attended which was deemed “disappointing” by former Eagles captain Malcolm Jenkins. Barkley’s decision to go and spend time with Trump in his own time has proved divisive.
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Regardless, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year is certainly enjoying the fame that comes with Super Bowl success. After meeting with Trump and visiting the White House, Barkley was in New York – his former home – to attend the star-studded Met Gala.
While LeBron James did not attend due to a knee injury, Barkley joined a host of sports stars, including Lewis Hamilton and Serena Williams. Barkley revealed the suit he was wearing was designed by Thom Browne.
Following his controversial meeting with Trump, Barkley issued an unapologetic response to criticism from his critics. Many were frustrated, suggesting the 28-year-old not only did not stand up against Trump but actively cozied up to him.
Barkley appeared at the Met Gala on Monday(Image: Getty Images)
“lol some people are really upset cause I played golfed and flew to the White House with the PRESIDENT,” Barkley posted on X.
“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 mentions with all this politics and have amazing day.”
Barkley, a former Giant, attended the event in New York City(Image: Getty Images)
Trump and Barkley appeared to get on great, with both all smiles as they golfed and had lunch. The President even suggested he wanted to race Barkley, adding: “What a nice guy he is. I wanted to race him, but I decided not to do it.”
Across the regular season and playoffs, the 28-year-old amassed 2,504 total rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns – the most rushing yards in NFL history. After signing from their NFC East rival New York Giants, Barkley’s 2024 campaign will surely go down as one of the greatest debut seasons by a free agent in all of sports.
His performances helped the Eagles earn the right to go to the White House and meet with Trump. Barkley is now enjoying his offseason ahead of doing it all again in 2025.
