*Comedian D.L. Hughley has voiced strong disapproval of Saquon Barkley and other Black athletes who accepted an invitation from President Donald Trump to visit the White House, particularly after the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl win.
Hughley appeared on TMZ Live and criticized the decision, claiming that any Black person who participates in such a visit doesn’t understand or care about Black issues. Hughley specifically targeted Barkley, the Eagles’ star running back, saying he could tell when a Black person is indifferent to Black community struggles.
Hughley suggested that Barkley comes across as someone disconnected from the challenges facing the Black community, labeling him “indifferent” to important social issues. He added that he can often gauge a person’s awareness of Black issues just by their demeanor, an impression that shaped his critical view of Barkley.
When asked whether the honor of a White House invitation could be separated from the individual extending it, Hughley disagreed. He argued that an invitation from Trump couldn’t be considered an honor because, in his view, the former president is not an honorable man. Hughley pointed to Trump’s actions, such as erasing Black historical figures and refusing to apologize for the 1989 newspaper ads he took out against the Central Park Five. According to Hughley, Trump has no respect for Black people.
The controversy escalated when Barkley was photographed with Trump just one day before the Eagles’ White House visit. The image of the two golfing together quickly went viral, sparking backlash on social media. Barkley responded on X (formerly Twitter), defending his actions, stating, “Maybe I just respect the office,” and noting that he had also golfed with former President Obama.
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NFL superstar, Saquon Barkley, seen exiting Marine One with Trump.
This might seem small, but stuff like this goes a long way.
The media-driven stigma around Trump is fading, and the public are no longer afraid to support Trump.
We are healing.
— Clandestine (@WarClandestine) April 27, 2025
Despite his explanation, political commentator Roland Martin criticized Barkley, pointing out the Trump administration’s controversial history, including the January 6 insurrection and the president’s role in spreading false election claims. “Be better informed, bruh,” Martin advised the athlete.
It’s worth noting that not all members of the Eagles attended the White House visit.
Notably, quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown declined the invitation, further dividing opinions within the team.
D.L. Hughley says any Black person who visits President Donald Trump in the White House doesn’t understand or care about Black issues … specifically tearing into Saquon Barkley for going with the Eagles to the president’s residence.
Read the full story: https://t.co/MK6LcH991u pic.twitter.com/qwc7wrpC0B
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) April 29, 2025
MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Saquon Barkley Fires Back at Critics After Trump Golf Outing: ‘Respect the Office’
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