Donald Trump recently came to the defense of Jaxson Dart, the quarterback for the New York Giants, amidst controversy following Dart’s introduction of the former president at a political rally. This incident stirred unrest within the Giants’ locker room, compelling Dart to address the situation publicly.
Last week in Suffern, New York, Dart was seen alongside Trump at the rally, an appearance that ignited backlash from some quarters, particularly among liberal circles. The issue escalated when Dart’s teammate, Abdul Carter, publicly criticized him on social media for the interaction. However, Dart and Carter have since reconciled, assuring that they have resolved their differences privately.
In the aftermath of Dart’s speech, Trump has been vocal in his support for the quarterback, showering him with praise on several occasions. On Saturday, Trump took to Truth Social to reiterate his backing.
“Thank you, Jaxson! It was great being with you,” Trump wrote. “I know you’re taking some heat from the Radical Left Lunatics who are jealous of you, me, and everyone who surrounds us. But I also know that your jersey went to Number One, and you’re making millions of dollars, so YOU ARE A WINNER — THEY ARE ALL LOSERS.”
He concluded his message with, “I’ll see you in the White House! President DJT.”
Trump’s statement was accompanied by a photo of Dart with his girlfriend, Marissa Ayers, taken during the NFL Honors event held in San Francisco during Super Bowl week.
Jaxson Dart explained why he agreed to introduce Donald Trump at a Republican rally
The quarterback’s move to align himself with the President caused locker room unrest
Speaking to reporters after practice on Friday for the first time since introducing Trump, Dart said: ‘The president position has always been a position that I’ve well respected, regardless of political affiliation, regardless of political party and my intentions were just that.
The 23-year-old added: ‘I also understand that in this world, politics can be a sensitive matter, a sensitive topic. I also understand that I am the quarterback of the New York Giants, and that involves a lot of responsibility. It’s under a limelight, under a microscope, and there’s a lot that comes with that.
‘Obviously, this was a unique opportunity, being asked and given the opportunity to introduce the President of the United States. My thinking was pretty simple.
‘I’ve always loved this country. I have extended family members who have fought in wars. I have two uncles who have retired from the Air Force Academy… and I even have a great grandfather who served as Secretary of Treasury at some point.’
The day after Dart’s MAGA appearance, Giants teammate Carter had commented on a clip of it and wrote: ‘Thought this s*** was AI , what we doing man’.
Speaking Friday, Carter added: ‘I don’t want him to say he’s sorry. Stand on what you believe in, but it can’t be a problem if I stand on what I believe in. As long as we have that understanding, it’s all good.’
On Friday, Trump underlined how impressed he was with Dart after meeting him.
‘Well, first of all, I wish I looked just like Jaxson,’ Trump said. ‘I said, is he a male model or what? He’s a handsome guy, like a beautiful guy, and a conservative guy.
New York Giants quarterback Dart pictured alongside his girlfriend, Marissa Ayers
Dart was called out about it by his Giants teammate Abdul Carter on social media
‘He’s potentially a great quarterback. He’s a young boy. He had just really started. But when he’s in a game, he moves the team. And I didn’t know him, but I watched him a little bit. And he really moves the team.
‘He’s got tremendous potential. He stays healthy, he’s going to be a great.’
Amid speculation over a potential civil war in the New York camp, Dart addressed his teammates during a meeting on Wednesday, according to NFL insiders Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport.
The signal caller is said to have called the meeting to discuss his introduction of Trump, with he and the team now moving past the issue.
Dart is heading into his first full season as the starting quarterback for the Giants in 2026. The Giants traded back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to pick him out of college – ironically, after they first chose Carter – and he soon dislodged Russell Wilson as starting quarterback.
The Giants meet Dallas Cowboys in a hugely anticipated showdown on September 13 in the first Sunday Night Football showdown of the new season.
