The New York Giants have pushed back hard against President Donald Trump’s recent assertion that he urged the franchise to retain Saquon Barkley before the star running back joined the Philadelphia Eagles . The unexpected comment came during a White House event celebrating the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory — a moment that was supposed to spotlight the team's success, not spark political crossfire.
New York Giants shut down Donald Trump's claim about Saquon Barkley
While praising Saquon Barkley’s incredible athleticism, Trump shared an anecdote involving the Giants' leadership. “By the way, I have to tell you something,” Trump said. “I was with the Giants and the head coach and some people and said, ‘Do anything you have to, but don’t lose Saquon.’ They lost Saquon."
He added, "That was not good. I called that one. That was an easy one to call because he played damn well for the Giants. I can tell you that. He made the right decision because it is a team sport, and there’s great people on this team."
However, the Giants swiftly dismissed the former president’s version of events. According to team spokesperson Pat Hanlon, “there were no conversations” between Trump and the Giants organization regarding Barkley’s free agency decision. Hanlon was firm in his denial, and when pressed further by Front Office Sports about whether any dialogue had taken place between the team and Trump, he simply replied, “No,” and pointed toward his personal account on X (formerly Twitter).
In a post that captured attention, Hanlon added, “With all due respect, stop yapping. Be the leader we all want you to be. And my 401K wants you to be. I’m trying to retire!!” — a remark that mixed frustration with a dash of humor, while directly tagging Trump’s account.
The timing of the controversy added to the public curiosity. Barkley, who had already turned heads for joining the Eagles in free agency, had recently spent a weekend playing golf with Trump. The two were even seen returning to Washington on Air Force One just days before the championship celebration on the South Lawn.
While Barkley has not directly commented on Trump’s remarks, the situation has raised eyebrows not only for its political overtones but also for the implications of a former president allegedly involving himself in NFL free agency matters. For the Giants, it was a line they were unwilling to let stand without clarification.
As the Eagles revel in their championship glow and Barkley begins a new chapter in Philadelphia, the saga adds yet another twist to a high-profile offseason — and shows how the intersection of politics and sports can still spark headlines when least expected.
Also Read: As sexual assault lawsuits mount, Shannon Sharpe’s media empire collapses and future at ESPN hangs by a thread
New York Giants shut down Donald Trump's claim about Saquon Barkley
While praising Saquon Barkley’s incredible athleticism, Trump shared an anecdote involving the Giants' leadership. “By the way, I have to tell you something,” Trump said. “I was with the Giants and the head coach and some people and said, ‘Do anything you have to, but don’t lose Saquon.’ They lost Saquon."
He added, "That was not good. I called that one. That was an easy one to call because he played damn well for the Giants. I can tell you that. He made the right decision because it is a team sport, and there’s great people on this team."
However, the Giants swiftly dismissed the former president’s version of events. According to team spokesperson Pat Hanlon, “there were no conversations” between Trump and the Giants organization regarding Barkley’s free agency decision. Hanlon was firm in his denial, and when pressed further by Front Office Sports about whether any dialogue had taken place between the team and Trump, he simply replied, “No,” and pointed toward his personal account on X (formerly Twitter).
In a post that captured attention, Hanlon added, “With all due respect, stop yapping. Be the leader we all want you to be. And my 401K wants you to be. I’m trying to retire!!” — a remark that mixed frustration with a dash of humor, while directly tagging Trump’s account.
The timing of the controversy added to the public curiosity. Barkley, who had already turned heads for joining the Eagles in free agency, had recently spent a weekend playing golf with Trump. The two were even seen returning to Washington on Air Force One just days before the championship celebration on the South Lawn.
While Barkley has not directly commented on Trump’s remarks, the situation has raised eyebrows not only for its political overtones but also for the implications of a former president allegedly involving himself in NFL free agency matters. For the Giants, it was a line they were unwilling to let stand without clarification.
As the Eagles revel in their championship glow and Barkley begins a new chapter in Philadelphia, the saga adds yet another twist to a high-profile offseason — and shows how the intersection of politics and sports can still spark headlines when least expected.
Also Read: As sexual assault lawsuits mount, Shannon Sharpe’s media empire collapses and future at ESPN hangs by a thread
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