Supporters of Donald Trump blasted NBC’s broadcast of the New York Jets at the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night because the former president appeared only once during the game.
Trump was sitting in the stands at Acrisure Stadium and a video went viral of nearby fans waving at him and chanting “USA” during a break in the game — filmed by his deputy director of communications, Margo Martin.
The former president, who is running for re-election against Kamala Harris next month, was seen on TV for a few seconds near the end of the first quarter – with many of his fans unhappy considering how often Taylor Swift is seen at a Chiefs game in support of Travis Kelce.
Martin’s video was retweeted on X by author John Le Fevre, who said: “On average, NBC shows Taylor Swift seven times during an NFL broadcast. Tonight they only showed Trump once, and only for a few seconds.”
Many fans agreed on social media, with another saying, “I’m surprised NBC showed Trump during the game. It was very short, but you know it killed NBC to have to acknowledge Trump’s presence. But if it was Taylor Swift, they would have devoted a three-minute segment to it.”
I’m surprised NBC showed Trump at the game.
It was very short, but you know it killed NBC to have to acknowledge Trump’s presence.
But if it was Taylor Swift, they would have devoted a three-minute segment to it.
— Clandestine (@WarClandestine) October 21, 2024
Donald Trump waves to the fans during the Pittsburgh Steelers – New York Jets game on Sunday
Trump made only one appearance during NBC’s broadcast of the game on Sunday Night Football
Fans were unhappy that Trump got to see much less than Taylor Swift at Chiefs games
Another viewer wrote on X: ‘Taylor Swift appears on NBC Sports at least 5 times a quarter. But an American president is only shown once during a three-second period. Miserable.’
Swift’s television time at Chiefs games hasn’t always been popular with NFL fans, despite her huge global fan base outside of football.
And a tongue-in-cheek assessment from another viewer during Sunday night’s game read: “The NFL should only feature Taylor Swift at the same rate as Donald Trump during the game.”
Swift has spoken out in support of Harris ahead of next month’s election — a view at odds with Brittany Mahomes, the wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick, who has publicly supported Trump.
“I want to thank the beautiful Brittany Mahomes for defending me so vigorously, and for making MAGA the largest and most powerful political movement in the history of our now failing country,” Trump wrote on Trust Social in September.
“With crime and illegal immigration spiraling out of control, INFLATION devastating all Americans, and a world laughing at the stupidity of our hapless ‘leaders,’ it’s nice to see someone who loves our country and wants to save it from the downfall.
“What a great couple, see you at the Super Bowl!”
On average, NBC shows Taylor Swift seven times during an NFL broadcast.
Tonight they only showed Trump once, and only for a few seconds.
This is why:
— John LeFevre (@JohnLeFevre) October 21, 2024
Trump is a big football fan and had controversial former NFL player Antonio Brown speak at one of his rallies in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Brown, who left Pittsburgh when he was traded to Las Vegas in 2018, mocked Democratic candidates Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as he addressed the crowd before helping register Trump voters at Acrisure Stadium ahead of Sunday night’s kickoff .
Trump, meanwhile, has spent time in western Pennsylvania, trying to win back the state that went his way in 2016 but turned blue in 2020 in next month’s election.
And he also appeared on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast last week, hosted by former players Will Compton and Taylor Lewan.
Trump waves back to Steelers fans cheering him on during a break in Sunday’s game
Before the game, he posted a funny photo of himself in a Steelers uniform on social media
There, Trump spoke about his admiration for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, how he once tried to buy the Buffalo Bills franchise, and his admiration for UFC chief Dana White.
Before arriving at Sunday night’s game, he left fans in stitches after sharing a bizarre AI photo of himself in a Steelers uniform, seemingly confirming the team he would be rooting for in Pittsburgh.
And if that were the case, he wouldn’t have left disappointed Sunday night as the Steelers posted a 37-15 victory over the New York Jets.