Pat McAfee has heard the complaints about his hypocrisy over hanging out with Donald Trump.
The ESPN host found himself catching heat after appearing alongside Donald Trump during the inaugural Patriot Games. The 4-day high school athletics competition was created by the White House and wrapped up Tuesday.
McAfee was seen greeting Trump and accompanying him during the event, and the internet had thoughts.
Rightfully so because McAfee claims to not be involved in politics, but when you align yourself with Trump, there is no getting around that.
Had a BLAST celebrating high schoolers from across the country with the Heads of Disney, ABC, ESPN, and… The United States Of America
I’m proud of all parties getting behind this important initiative to keep future generations excited about remaining active.
Cheers to the… pic.twitter.com/FcaLih39qV
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 12, 2026
Critics quickly questioned McAfee’s decision to be around Trump..
🚨THIS IS WILD🚨
Liberal sports fans are CRITICIZING ESPN star Pat McAfee after he greeted President Donald Trump on the tarmac at the Cleveland airport ahead of the Patriot Games.
Fans are angry that McAfee was smiling while greeting the President.
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) August 11, 2026
McAfee, however, deflected as always.
President Donald Trump sitting with @PatMcAfeeShow at the 2026 Patriot Games final in Ohio: pic.twitter.com/45u4cItgw0
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 11, 2026
‘Can we finally cancel Pat??’ one critic asked on X amid an avalanche of criticism directed at McAfee.
The 39-year-old McAfee, who has claimed to be apolitical, responded to the post by promoting one of his upcoming projects.
‘Promoting American High Schoolers being active and competitive and potentially winning life changing scholarship money alongside my business partners at Disney/ABC/ESPN,’ McAfee wrote, somewhat cryptically.
He then pivoted to his debut music album, which he plans to release later this week.
‘On that note,’ he began, ‘I wrote and sang an entire album… The Diary Of A Polarizing Figure.’
‘AVAILABLE THIS FRIDAY.’
The controversy also shows just how difficult it is for celebrities, broadcasters, and athletes to stay away from political figures.
McAfee had been careful not to align himself with either American political party, although he has previously hosted Trump on his daytime talk show last November.
Following Tuesday’s meeting, McAfee shared his excitement on social media.
‘Had a BLAST celebrating high schoolers from across the country with the Heads of Disney, ABC, ESPN, and… The United States Of America,’ he wrote. ‘I’m proud of all parties getting behind this important initiative to keep future generations excited about remaining active. Cheers to the incredible contestants and to next year’s Patriot Games.’
On Tuesday, the two appeared chummy at the SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio.
McAfee’s arrival was marked by an eruption of cheers and pyrotechnics before he took center stage, waving to the crowd.
Judging by the reaction, the Patriot Games may have ended on the track, but the social media backlash is still going strong.
