NFL’s Jaxson Dart Gives First Response To Trump Rally Backlash

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is not apologizing, saying he has no regrets about introducing President Donald Trump at a rally last week, and pushing back against criticism that his appearance created division in the team’s locker room.  

The second-year QB addressed the controversy after his appearance at the “Fighting For American Workers” event, which promoted Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), garnered national attention. He described introducing the president as “a unique opportunity.”

“I’ve always loved this country,” Dart said on Friday. “I have extended family members who have fought in wars. I have two uncles who have retired from the Air Force Academy and served themselves. And I even have a great-grandfather who served as Secretary of the Treasury at some point. So, the president position has always been a position that I’ve well respected regardless of political affiliation, regardless of political party.”

Jaxson Dart issues a detailed statement on his decision to introduce Donald Trump and the impact that it has had on the Giants and his teammates pic.twitter.com/HOdT0rkJdL

— SNY Giants (@SNYGiants) May 29, 2026

“I can honestly say that I love every single one of my teammates,” he added, “regardless of politics, regardless of religious beliefs, regardless of anything that may be different between us. I love them. They know exactly what kind of person I am.”

One of the most notable reactions came from Giants teammate Abdul Carter, who reposted video of Dart’s appearance on X, saying, “Thought this sh*t was AI, what we doing man.” Carter later deleted the post.

The teammates later spoke privately.

“I don’t want him to say he’s sorry. Stand on what you believe in,” Carter said. “But it can’t be a problem when I stand on what I believe in. That’s all that matters to me. As long as we have that understanding, it’s all good.”

Following the conversation, the two embraced and appeared to put the disagreement behind them. 

The Giants held a team meeting Wednesday, allowing Dart to address any tensions directly with his teammates. Team leaders Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Jameis Winston were among those involved in moving the Giants forward. Carter was unable to attend due to a prior commitment.

Dart’s appearance with Trump also generated debate across sports media.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith referred to Dart as the “face of the franchise” and said he had created unnecessary tension within a team composed of players from diverse backgrounds.

Jemele Hill, a contributing writer for The Atlantic, defended Carter’s initial reaction, arguing that his perspective as a black Muslim helped explain why he objected to Dart appearing alongside President Trump.

“Let’s not do that thing where we’re trying to pretend this isn’t what it looks like. Abdul Carter is a Black man and a Muslim and given the things that Trump has said about/done when it comes to both groups, it’s fair (and also not surprising) that he has a problem with it.”

Let’s not do that thing where we’re trying to pretend this isn’t what it looks like. Abdul Carter is a Black man and a Muslim and given the things that Trump has said about/done when it comes to both groups, it’s fair (and also not surprising) that he has a problem with it. https://t.co/OUY7ZxHUOc

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) May 23, 2026