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On the beginning of Memorial Day weekend, New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart made headlines after introducing President Trump at his rally at Rockland Community College in Suffern, N.Y.
The leader of the Giants' offense became subject to immediate backlash from a large audience, both inside and out of the New York fandom. While Dart was also questioned by teammate Abdul Carter on social media, the quarterback has had time to make an official statement about the situation, which he did on Friday.
At New York's OTAs, Dart spoke about the topic to media members and gave his reasoning for his participation, along with what it meant for his franchise.
Here's what the Giants' quarterback said in light of his appearance at a Trump rally.
MORE: A complete breakdown of Jaxson Dart participating at Trump rally
Jaxson Dart statement on Donald Trump controversy
During New York's OTAs (organized team activities) on May 29, Dart took the time to speak with the media and address his participation at Trump's rally in New York the previous week. Along with outlining why he chose to introduce the president, he spoke about the impact it had on his franchise and teammates.
Here is the second-year quarterback discussing the ordeal.
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, 2026Dart began the interview by expressing how unique the opportunity was and said he loved the country he lives in.
"Obviously, this was a unique opportunity. Being asked and given the opportunity to introduce the President of the United States, my thinking was pretty simple," said Dart. "And the fact is I've always loved this country."
The quarterback also stated that he had multiple extended family members who served in the military and graduated from military institutions, such as the Air Force Academy. Dart also shared that one of his uncles served as Secretary of the Treasury. He said he and his family have always respected the government and the presidency, regardless of political affiliation or party.
"I also understand in this world, politics can be a sensitive matter, a sensitive topic. I also understand that I am the quarterback of the New York Giants, and that involves a lot of responsibility," Dart said. "It's under a limelight, under a microscope, and there's a lot that comes with that, and it's been something that I've embraced."
While he expressed that his teammates have different political, religious and personal beliefs, Dart said he is thankful he can come to work every day in a locker room that is "a melting pot of people from everywhere."
"I think that the connections that we build are special because we're able to have vulnerable conversations," Dart said. "We're able to learn from each other, to support each other irrespective of the color of our skin, and we have a real brotherhood."
"We've had a lot of honest conversations with each other as a team, and I like to keep those things private between me and my teammates and just everything that's been said. But I love these guys, and going forward, I can't wait for what more we have to grow the culture of this team."
MORE: What did Abdul Carter say about Jaxson Dart's appearance at Trump rally?
Jaxson Dart-Donald Trump rally video
Last Friday, Dart stood behind the podium at Rockland Community College in Suffern, N.Y., to introduce the President of the United States. While he only spoke for about 30 seconds, the quarterback almost instantaneously received backlash for his participation in the ordeal.
Here is a video of Dart introducing Trump at the rally.
Before the president walked on the stage in Suffern, Dart took the time to address Giant fans who may have been in the audience and started a "Go Big Blue" chant. Afterwards, he expressed what an honor and privilege it was to give way and introduce President Trump.
English (US)