Former Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins publicly disapproved of Major League Football player Saquon Barkley after he was photographed with President Donald Trump during the offseason. These comments that Jenkins posted on social media sparked intense debate about race, politics, and personal choice in NFL society.
Barkley is also reported to have gone golfing with Trump and even attended the White House party when the Eagles won the Super Bowl 59, as it was not only the first time in franchise history but also the second championship the team won. As a vocal supporter of racial justice, Jenkins, in his playing days, remarked that the decision by Barkley was disappointing in the bigger social context.
“Much has been made about Saquon Barkley, Hurts’ star running back, who made a different choice attending the White House visit early and spending the day golfing with the President. It was disappointing, to say the very least but I understand that respect works both ways. Each man has to walk his own path.”
Jenkins later expanded on his stance, highlighting his concerns about Trump’s racial history while acknowledging that personal growth is possible. His remarks reflected criticism and a degree of introspection about how perceptions evolve. One user wrote;
“People have evidence of Trump being racist. I personally know racist CAN change. But most black people have never experienced or witnessed it first hand. I can understand it being some mythical thing to them. Sounds impossible.”
People have evidence of Trump being racist. I personally know racist CAN change. But most black people have never experienced or witnessed it first hand. I can understand it being some mythical thing to them. Sounds impossible.
— We Going BACK 2 BACK (@Way2PC3) October 15, 2025
Fans Clash Over Malcolm Jenkins’s Remarks and Trump-Barkley Connection
The post triggered a heated online debate among fans, sharply dividing opinions on whether Jenkins’ criticism was fair or misplaced. Some agreed with his message, while others argued the “racist” label has become overused in political discourse.
One user responded, “lol I’m black but that’s true,” acknowledging Jenkins’ point about lived experiences. Another wrote, “Valid point. But honestly, objectively, it makes less sense for Trump to be chilling with Barkley if he’s a racist today… Anything else doesn’t add up.”
Others pushed back, emphasizing historical nuance: “It makes perfect sense, racist people and systems don’t always avoid black faces… Liking Barkley doesn’t mean Trump respects black people, just that Barkley has status or usefulness.”
Some fans questioned. “What’s the evidence of him being racist? I’m curious, I for sure haven’t seen it,” one post read. Another argued, “Everyone who has different thoughts than Jenkins is racist… When in doubt, race card.”
As the Trump-Barkley friendship continues to stir debate, Jenkins’s remarks have again placed the intersection of sports, race, and politics under the national spotlight, an arena he has long challenged athletes and fans to confront directly.
