President Donald Trump received a thunderous applause from attendees at the College Football National Championship game in Miami, Florida, during the national anthem on Monday night.
The president waved and smiled at the crowd as “American Idol” winner Jamal Roberts performed the song at Hard Rock Stadium.
In a statement released prior to the event, Trump praised college football for reflecting American values. He stated: “At its best, college football reflects our timeless American values of family, freedom, unity, and hard work and represents the pinnacle of our national spirit.”
Trump also congratulated the Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes on their College Football Playoff National Championship appearances, adding: “God bless the talented players and dedicated coaches, the families who love and support them, and the faithful fans who cheer them on. May the best team win!”
Videos captured loud applause for Trump when he appeared on video monitors during the performance at the stadium. Ivanka Trump stood beside her father, with Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and President’s adviser Boris Epshteyn also present. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a fan of the Miami Hurricanes, attended as well.
The White House shared a short video of the applause for the president during the game. The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Miami Hurricanes with a final score of 27-21.
Trump has previously attended the College Football National Championship twice—once in 2018 and again in 2020.
