Why Donald Trump Left So Early and ‘The Worst Part of the Super Bowl’

On February 9, 2025, President Donald Trump made history as the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl. He watched as the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 but left before the fourth quarter, sparking online debate. Some mocked his early exit, while others noted it was pre-planned for security reasons.

Fans paid premium prices to attend, with tickets ranging from $3,000 to over $12,000. Trump stood for the national anthem alongside New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson and Ivanka Trump.

Despite speculation about his departure, Trump later revealed what bothered him most: the NFL’s new kickoff rule. Designed to reduce injuries, the rule prevents the kicking team from advancing until the ball is touched. Trump called it “the worst part of the Super Bowl,” saying it made the game feel “frozen.”

The game was historic beyond Trump’s presence, as the Eagles secured their second Super Bowl title, stopping the Chiefs from achieving a three-peat. With discussions about the rule change, ticket costs, and Trump’s reaction, Super Bowl LIX became a spectacle far beyond the final score.