*It’s official. The Philadelphia Eagles have accepted an invitation to visit the White House to celebrate their 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LIX.
A spokesperson for the team confirmed the news on March 11, adding the Eagles are now now “working on scheduling a date and logistics” surrounding the visit to Washington, DC. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed later that day the visit would take place on April 28, CNN reports.
“I can confirm that the Philadelphia Eagles will be here at the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl victory,” Leavitt shared at the daily briefing. “I know there was a lot of fake news about an invitation that wasn’t sent or was sent. We want to correct the record – we sent an invitation they enthusiastically accepted, and you will see them here on April 28.”
News of the Eagles’ visit comes after the team secured its second Super Bowl with a decisive victory over the Chiefs in February. Prior to receiving the White House invite, CNN noted that the Eagles “would be honored” to visit the White House. The comment came amid social media speculation that the team would refuse the traditional visit.
The Eagles decision to visit the White House marks a different stance compared to its decline to celebrate its first Super Bowl win with President Donald Trump during his first term in office in 2018.
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The choice did not go over well with Trump who had nothing but criticism towards the Eagles via false accusations the team took a knee during “The Star-Spangled Banner” that year and disrespecting the National Anthem in other ways before uninviting the whole team.
The Eagles are not the only sports team to incur Trump’s wrath. Referencing the Golden State Warriors, CNN mentioned the basketball team’s refusal to visit the commander-in-chief at the White House after winning the 2016-17 NBA championship.
Like the Eagles, Trump aired out his displeasure with Warriors, saying on social media the invitation was rescinded. In comparison, teams have had a better experience with Trump’s predecessor, former President Joe Biden. During his time in office, Biden hosted many championship squads without taking shots at teams which opted against taking him up on a visit.
For the Eagles, it was team decision to accept this year’s White House invite.
“I’d be honored to go, regardless of who the president is, but we’ll see,” Eagles’ offensive lineman Lane Johnson told Sportico in February. “It’s ultimately a team decision. I’ll do what’s best for the team.”
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