Trump to become first sitting president to attend Super Bowl

President Trump is expected to join thousands of football fans at Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans this weekend.

If he stays for the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, Mr. Trump would be the first sitting U.S. president known to attend a Super Bowl.

NFL officials have not said whether they were already aware of the president’s planned attendance, but it will likely add additional security to an already high-profile event in New Orleans.

The U.S. Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting the president, said in a statement Tuesday that it has had staff on the ground for days preparing for his visit.

“Extensive planning and coordination have been in place to ensure the safety of all attendees, players, and staff,” Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement. “Security measures have been further enhanced this year, given that this will be the first time a sitting President of the United States will attend the event.”

The league said it enhanced security protocols after a terrorist attack in New Orleans last month killed 14 people ahead of a College Football Playoff game at the Superdome.

“[The Department of Homeland Security] has protected the NFL Super Bowl for 20+ years,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on X. “We’re working around the clock to ensure a safe and secure game day at the Superdome and in the city of New Orleans.”

Fox, which will broadcast the game, had already announced plans to air a pre-taped interview between the president and Fox News’ Bret Baier during its pre-game show.  Presidents traditionally grant an interview to the network that’s broadcasting the game, though both Trump and his predecessor, Joseph R. Biden, were inconsistent about participating.

Mr. Trump won’t be the first commander-in-chief to leave his fingerprints on the NFL championship, though.

Then-President Ronald Reagan participated in a remote coin toss from the White House for Super Bowl 19 in 1985. Former President George H.W. Bush performed the coin toss ahead of Super Bowl 36 in 2002, but he had already left office.

This article is based in part on wire service reports.