Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium was buzzing on Monday night as Donald Trump made a high-profile appearance to watch the college football playoff final.
The former president, surrounded by family members, received raucous cheers from fans eager to see him in the stands.
Sports have become a major fixture in Trump’s post-2024 presidency, with the former Commander-in-Chief attending a wide array of events since being re-elected.
Monday night was no different, as he showed up for the highly anticipated national championship, where the No. 10 Hurricanes enjoyed home-field advantage against the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers.
Family Support on Full Display
Trump wasn’t flying solo for the showdown.
His daughter Ivanka, her husband Jared Kushner, and their two sons, Joseph Frederick and Theo James, joined him in the VIP suite.
Also in attendance was granddaughter Kai, the eldest child of Donald Trump Jr., who came with her mother, Vanessa.
Adding a political twist to the evening, Secretary of State Marco Rubio also joined the group and was even spotted walking on the field before kickoff.
Trump waved enthusiastically to the crowd from behind the bulletproof glass of his suite, soaking in the atmosphere as fans cheered his arrival.
A Standing Ovation During the Anthem
When Trump appeared on the stadium’s big screen during the American national anthem, the crowd erupted with applause. It was another reminder of his celebrity-like status at major sporting events.
While the Hoosiers, led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, were heavy favorites to win, Trump’s personal loyalties might have leaned toward the Hurricanes—especially considering his teenage granddaughter Kai is on a golf scholarship in Miami.
Trump’s History with College Football and Other Sports
Trump has a long history of attending major sporting events.
In 2018, he watched Alabama face Georgia at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
In 2025, he became the first sitting president in history to attend a Super Bowl, cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles as they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs.
His sporting calendar isn’t limited to football. Since returning to office, he’s made headlines attending the Ryder Cup, NASCAR’s Daytona 500, a New York Yankees game on 9/11 anniversary, and UFC 316.
2026 Promises an Active Sports Calendar
Looking ahead, Trump’s love for high-profile sporting events shows no signs of slowing.
The United States will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting in June, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reportedly cultivated a close rapport with him.
Trump is also planning a UFC event at the White House on June 14, coinciding with his 80th birthday, thanks to his friendship with Dana White, the CEO of the promotion.
Meanwhile, the next Super Bowl will take place on February 8 in Santa Clara, California, and while it hasn’t been confirmed, fans wouldn’t be surprised if Trump made an appearance.
The Stakes for Monday Night
As for the game itself, the Hoosiers are chasing one of the most remarkable turnarounds in college football history.
Under coach Curt Cignetti, who took over in November 2023, Indiana has transformed from a team with a 9-26 record over three consecutive losing seasons into an undefeated 15-0 powerhouse, led by Mendoza.
A Hoosiers victory would cement a dramatic story of resurgence, while a Hurricanes win would be a thrill for the Miami faithful—and perhaps a little personal satisfaction for Trump’s family.
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