It’s not unusual for celebrities or public figures to face scrutiny when they meet with political leaders—especially when that leader is Donald Trump.
But when Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was asked about his recent White House visit, it wasn’t the politics that ruffled him—it was the way the question was asked.
Harbaugh Defends His Presidential Meeting Experience
During the Ravens’ training camp kickoff in Baltimore, reporters asked Harbaugh how he felt about meeting Trump, especially considering the former president’s past criticisms of the city.
Back in 2019, Trump made headlines for calling Baltimore a “disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess,” claiming it was a place “no human being would want to live.”
But Harbaugh took issue with the way the question was framed.
“If I was asking that question,” he told the reporter, “I would’ve said, ‘You got to meet the President! What was that like?’”
He didn’t hesitate to answer his own version either, calling it “amazing” and “awesome.”
Family Visit Confirmed with Viral Photo
Earlier this month, Harbaugh and his younger brother Jim Harbaugh—now head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers—were spotted leaving the White House, sparking speculation about their visit.
Not long after, sports personality Clay Travis posted a photo that confirmed it: the Harbaugh brothers were in the Oval Office with Trump, along with NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Respect for the Presidency, Not a Political Statement
Though many might interpret such a visit as politically charged, John Harbaugh kept things diplomatic.
He made it clear he wasn’t there to stir controversy or pick sides.
“I root for our president,” he told reporters.
“I want him to be successful—just like I want my quarterback and team to be successful.”
Rather than diving into politics, Harbaugh expressed admiration for the experience and respect for the office itself.
Harbaugh Has Met Four U.S. Presidents
This isn’t Harbaugh’s first presidential encounter.
After winning the Super Bowl in 2013, he met President Barack Obama—twice, in fact.
He also spent time with Joe Biden while he was vice president during a visit to Iraq.
And even earlier, he met Ronald Reagan when his brother Jim was a Heisman Trophy candidate.
Despite his own impressive tally, Harbaugh joked that his brother’s got the edge: “He’s met seven, I’ve met four,” John said with a grin.
Jim Harbaugh Reflects on His Chat with Trump
While John avoided politics, Jim Harbaugh shared more about the actual meeting with Trump.
According to Jim, what was supposed to be a quick visit ended up lasting well beyond the scheduled time.
“We met around 4:30, 4:45,” he said, “and next thing we knew, it was after 5 and we were still talking.”
Apparently, Trump wasn’t in a rush to wrap things up, and even asked Jim about Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
Jim added that Trump seemed “very knowledgeable about all sports, especially football.”
Business Giants Joined the Oval Office Conversation
The Harbaughs weren’t the only big names in the room. Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, was also present.
Huang has become one of the most influential voices in the global AI conversation and has been publicly supportive of Trump, crediting him with helping the U.S. lead in artificial intelligence and semiconductor growth.
His company recently reached a $4 trillion market cap.
Howard Lutnick, a top Trump economic ally, also attended.
As a key player in the administration’s economic strategy, he’s been involved in Trump’s ongoing pressure campaign to get Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to cut interest rates.
Epstein Ties Resurface in Media Focus
Of course, not all attention on the meeting has been positive.
Lutnick has come under scrutiny over past real estate ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender and financier whose connections continue to haunt many high-profile figures.
Lutnick has firmly denied any personal relationship or direct dealings with Epstein.