Trump praises Giants rookie Dart amid team backlash over political appearance

Trump praises Giants rookie Dart amid team backlash over political appearance

President Donald Trump publicly praised New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart during a May 24, 2026 appearance on “My View with Lara Trump,” describing the rookie signal-caller as handsome, conservative, and a player of significant potential, after Dart drew criticism from within the Giants organization for introducing Trump at a political event in Suffern, New York, two days earlier.

Trump’s comments came directly in response to the backlash Dart received following the May 22 event at Rockland Community College, where Dart appeared alongside the president. Giants pass rusher Abdul Carter publicly distanced himself from his teammate’s decision, telling reporters that Dart, as the face of the franchise, represents the entire roster, and that aligning with Trump compelled Carter to speak out on principle. Dart, for his part, framed his attendance around respect for the office of the presidency regardless of political affiliation, citing a family history of military service and a great-grandfather who served as Secretary of the Treasury.

Trump, in quoted remarks from the interview, called Dart a potential great quarterback who “moves the team” and expressed confidence in his future, conditional on health. He also suggested that the criticism Dart received was offset by broader popular support, referencing his own margin in the 2024 presidential election.

The episode surfaces a week before the Giants begin organized team activities ahead of the 2026 regular season, leaving the club’s front office and coaching staff to manage what is now a visible internal division at the most prominent position on the roster.