Donald Trump announced on Monday that he has cancelled the Philadelphia Eagles’ scheduled visit to the White House, and the president’s decision is affecting more than just the Super Bowl champions.
On Tuesday, the NFLPA released a statement expressing disappointment in the last-minute cancellation. As a result, some community service events that were planned in the Washington, D.C. area have also been called off.
Per @NFLPA, several community service events in the Washington DC area were cancelled when Donald Trump told the #Eagles not to come to the White House. pic.twitter.com/T9KhpSAUpj
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 5, 2018
Trump says he is still planning to host a celebration of America at the White House during the scheduled window when the Eagles were originally supposed to visit.
We will proudly be playing the National Anthem and other wonderful music celebrating our Country today at 3 P.M., The White House, with the United States Marine Band and the United States Army Chorus. Honoring America! NFL, no escaping to Locker Rooms!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2018
We have had many Championship teams recently at the White House including the Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Penguins, New England Patriots, Alabama and Clemson National Champions, and many others. National Anthem & more great music today at 3:00 P.M.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2018
When you hear exactly how many players were planning to attend the ceremony, it is not surprising that Trump decided to spare himself the embarrassment. Still, it’s a shame the decision has resulted in community service events having to be cancelled. Hopefully the NFLPA — or Trump, for that matter — can come up with a way to make it up to those organizations.
