In celebration of Veterans Day , The Pat McAfee Show took its broadcast to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina, where the energy was electric and patriotic. But what stole the spotlight wasn’t just the setting -- it was the unexpected 20-minute call-in from President Donald Trump . The ESPN show, known for its blend of humor, sports insight, and spontaneity, suddenly became the center of national attention. McAfee, known for his unapologetic approach, faced both praise and criticism for putting Trump on air during such a symbolic broadcast.
The conversation between McAfee and Trump stretched beyond football. While much of it revolved around the holiday, the military, and sports, the president also mixed in political jabs, personal boasts, and comments on the Washington Commanders’ name change. There was light-hearted sports talk too -- Trump discussed his Ryder Cup experience, expressed his dislike for the NFL’s new kickoff rules, and even joked about coaching strategies. The show had a pep rally feel, with McAfee prompting Trump to shout “oorah!” to the Marines, which he enthusiastically did.
Pat McAfee defends his Veterans Day Trump interview
After wrapping up the segment, McAfee directly addressed the critics who questioned his decision to host Trump. His defense was firm and unapologetic. “I would like to say though, for the media people that are going to be mad about that happening, that’s the President of the United States. It’s Veterans Day. He’s the Commander-in-Chief. Obviously, if we’re going to have the opportunity to talk to him, we’re going to,” McAfee said.
He further revealed that he had also reached out to former President Barack Obama to join the show, but scheduling issues prevented it. “As soon as we found out this was an opportunity, I reached out to President Obama as well and his team to potentially come on. Because of scheduling and conflicts, they were very kind and obviously sent incredible hope for the veterans and were thankful… but because of his schedule, he wasn’t able to do that. But I did reach out.”
McAfee later added that he hopes Obama will appear in the future, and made clear that Trump’s inclusion was not about politics but about honoring the day. “Listening to him talk about sports is cool. Because I think he is a legit sports fan,” he said.
Despite the online backlash - including one fan calling it “trash” - McAfee stood tall. As he put it, “It’s Veterans Day. He’s the Commander-in-Chief. Obviously, if we have the opportunity to talk to him, we’re going to... and he’s hilarious!”
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The conversation between McAfee and Trump stretched beyond football. While much of it revolved around the holiday, the military, and sports, the president also mixed in political jabs, personal boasts, and comments on the Washington Commanders’ name change. There was light-hearted sports talk too -- Trump discussed his Ryder Cup experience, expressed his dislike for the NFL’s new kickoff rules, and even joked about coaching strategies. The show had a pep rally feel, with McAfee prompting Trump to shout “oorah!” to the Marines, which he enthusiastically did.
Pat McAfee defends his Veterans Day Trump interview
After wrapping up the segment, McAfee directly addressed the critics who questioned his decision to host Trump. His defense was firm and unapologetic. “I would like to say though, for the media people that are going to be mad about that happening, that’s the President of the United States. It’s Veterans Day. He’s the Commander-in-Chief. Obviously, if we’re going to have the opportunity to talk to him, we’re going to,” McAfee said.
.@PatMcAfeeShow on interviewing @POTUS: "It's Veterans Day. He's the Commander-in-Chief. Obviously, if we have the opportunity to talk to him, we're going to. And he is hilarious."
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) November 11, 2025
✅ TRUE! pic.twitter.com/HH5Lb6zIJ1
He further revealed that he had also reached out to former President Barack Obama to join the show, but scheduling issues prevented it. “As soon as we found out this was an opportunity, I reached out to President Obama as well and his team to potentially come on. Because of scheduling and conflicts, they were very kind and obviously sent incredible hope for the veterans and were thankful… but because of his schedule, he wasn’t able to do that. But I did reach out.”
McAfee later added that he hopes Obama will appear in the future, and made clear that Trump’s inclusion was not about politics but about honoring the day. “Listening to him talk about sports is cool. Because I think he is a legit sports fan,” he said.
Despite the online backlash - including one fan calling it “trash” - McAfee stood tall. As he put it, “It’s Veterans Day. He’s the Commander-in-Chief. Obviously, if we have the opportunity to talk to him, we’re going to... and he’s hilarious!”
More NFL coverage
Why Jaire Alexander is stepping away from football after joining the Eagles in a shocking midseason twist
Antonio Brown’s legal nightmare deepens with shocking Miami comeback and new mugshot reveal
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