Hurts, Eagles Skip White House Amid Political Tensions

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts declined to attend the team’s White House celebration, officially citing a scheduling conflict, though former team captain Malcolm Jenkins praised his absence as a principled stance amid political divisions. Several key teammates, including A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, also skipped the event, resulting in fewer than half the team attending. This has underscored internal divisions within the Eagles and broader dissatisfaction with the political climate under President Trump. Team owner Jeffrey Lurie reiterated that attendance was optional, but speculation continues regarding the motivations for the absences. The episode has drawn comparisons to 2018, when the Eagles’ White House invitation was rescinded after player opposition to Trump. The event has reignited debate about the intersection of sports, politics, and leadership in America.