New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart made a surprise appearance Friday to introduce President Trump at a campaign rally for Rep. Mike Lawler in Suffern, New York — and the appearance quickly divided the Giants’ locker room.
Mr. Dart, 23, led the crowd at Rockland Community College in a “Go Big Blue” chant before introducing the president.
“What an honor, what a privilege it is to be here,” Mr. Dart told the audience. “I’m grateful, I’m honored, I’m pleasured to introduce the 45th and 47th president of the United States of America, President Donald J. Trump.”
Teammate and fellow rookie Abdul Carter, 22, took immediate issue with the appearance, reposting video of Mr. Dart on X and writing, “Thought this s—t was AI, what we doing man.”
Mr. Trump returned the affection, calling Mr. Dart a future Hall of Famer and invoking him repeatedly during his remarks on transgender athletes in women’s sports.
“I’m looking at Jaxson,” Mr. Trump said. “I’d like to know, is there any woman in the audience that thinks they can tackle that guy? Because I’d like to meet you.” The president then jokingly cautioned Mr. Dart not to respond to the question.
Both players were first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Mr. Carter was selected third overall out of Penn State, while the Giants traded up to take Mr. Dart 25th overall out of Ole Miss. In his rookie season, Mr. Carter played all 17 games, recording 43 tackles, seven tackles for loss and four sacks, though he was benched for the opening drive of one game and the first quarter of another over attendance and tardiness issues.
Mr. Dart started 12 of the 14 games he appeared in as a rookie, completing 63.7% of his passes for 2,272 yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions in a 4-8 record in his starts.
The rally was held in support of Mr. Lawler, who represents New York’s 17th Congressional District and faces reelection in November. Mr. Dart previously drew attention in September when he spoke out following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, saying Kirk “did great things for our country.”
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