Trump praise for Shedeur Sanders triggers fierce backlash
A late-night message from Donald J. Trump, applauding Shedeur Sanders after his winning professional debut for Cleveland, rapidly transformed a sports headline into a political flashpoint. What began as a routine reaction to a rookie’s first victory quickly escalated into criticism over Trump’s continued efforts to attach himself to popular cultural figures.
The post circulated widely within minutes, drawing reactions not just from football fans but from political commentators who accuse Trump of turning even neutral congratulations into divisive spectacle.
Sports and politics
Trump wrote on X: “Shedeur Sanders was GREAT. Wins first game, career start, as a pro (for Cleveland). Great Genes. I TOLD YOU SO!”
The message may have praised Sanders, but many online users said they saw a familiar pattern. Trump’s reference to “Great Genes”, language he has used when discussing both allies and opponents, revived criticism that he often frames success through inherited traits, prompting accusations of dog-whistle rhetoric.
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According to coverage from major US outlets, Trump has frequently inserted himself into moments involving high-profile athletes, sometimes overshadowing the events themselves.
Reaction grows
Analysts noted that instead of celebrating Sanders’ accomplishment, the debate shifted to Trump’s motives. Commentators on several national networks argued that the former president tends to tie rising sports stars to his personal narrative, a tendency that regularly provokes backlash.
Critics also pointed out that Sanders, who entered the league under immense public attention after his college career at Colorado, deserved space for his debut to stand on its own rather than be pulled into partisan crossfire.
A larger pattern
Past reporting from outlets such as AP and CNN has documented similar controversies: Trump comments on championship teams, protests, or athlete decisions, and the conversation quickly becomes political rather than athletic.
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Sanders has not responded publicly. However, sports analysts said the quarterback’s strong first outing, meant to be a milestone, now shares the spotlight with a familiar Trump-centered dispute, illustrating how public figures can unintentionally become collateral in broader political battles.
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