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NBC's brief on-screen coverage of 45th US President Donald Trump during Sunday night's New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game has left his ers frustrated, especially in comparison to the frequent appearances of Taylor Swift during NFL broadcasts when attending Chiefs games.
Fans took to social media to express their discontent over the former president's minimal airtime.
Trump attended the game at Acrisure Stadium, where fans in the stands were seen chanting "USA" and waving at him.
Margo Martin, Trump's deputy director of communications, captured the moment on video, which quickly spread online. However, NBC gave Trump only a fleeting few seconds of screen time late in the first quarter.
This did not sit well with Trump ers, many of whom pointed out the disparity between Trump's limited appearance and how often Taylor Swift is shown during Chiefs games while cheering on her rumored boyfriend, Travis Kelce.
John Le Fevre, an author, noted the imbalance on social media: "On average, NBC shows Taylor Swift seven times during an NFL broadcast. Tonight, they showed Trump only once, and just for a few seconds."
His post, echoing the sentiments of many Trump fans, sparked a broader discussion online.
One fan added, "I'm amazed NBC showed Trump at the game. It was very brief, but you know it killed NBC to have to acknowledge Trump's presence. But if it was Taylor Swift, they would have dedicated a three-minute segment to it."
Swift vs. Trump: Air Time Controversy
The coverage of Taylor Swift during NFL games has become a topic of debate, with her frequent appearances drawing attention beyond just her fanbase.
Meanwhile, some football enthusiasts feel the heavy focus on her takes away from the game. In response to Sunday's brief Trump appearance, one viewer quipped, "The NFL should only show Taylor Swift during the game as much as they show Donald Trump."
Charlie Kirk, a well-known YouTuber and Trump er, posted footage from the stadium showing fans chanting "USA" beneath Trump's seat.
His caption read, "Actual footage of the Steelers game tonight NBC won't show you," implying that the network intentionally minimized Trump's presence.
Politics and Football Collide
The contrasting political views of two high-profile NFL fan bases have added another layer to the controversy. While Swift has publicly endorsed Kamala Harris ahead of next month's election, Brittany Mahomes, wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, has voiced her for Trump.
This dynamic did not go unnoticed by Trump, who acknowledged Brittany's endorsement on social media, saying, "What a great couple - See you both at the Super Bowl!"
In the broader context, Trump's connection to football is well known. He has previously expressed iration for NFL stars like 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and even attempted to buy the Buffalo Bills franchise in the past.
A Steelers Victory Caps the Night
Despite the minimal airtime on NBC, Trump was reportedly rooting for the Steelers, which he hinted at through a humorous AI-generated image of himself in a Steelers uniform.
If that was the case, Trump would have left the stadium satisfied, as the Steelers emerged victorious with a 37-15 win over the Jets.
As Trump continues to make public appearances ahead of the 2024 election, the contrast in his and Swift's coverage has sparked a broader conversation about media bias and how networks choose to spotlight celebrity figures at major events.