Trump appears at college football national championship game

President Donald Trump has a recorded message to college football fans watching Monday night’s national championship game between Notre Dame and Ohio State on ESPN.
Earlier that day, Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. Although he had attended the national championship before as president, since it was his first day back in the White House, he was unable to attend. He still seemed to be thinking about the game.
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On January 20, 2025, US President Trump held up a letter from outgoing President Biden when signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC. (Jim Watson/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
“Say hello to my great fellow Americans. This is a historic and exciting day for our country. Our people have suffered tremendously in recent years, but starting now, we will make America great again. Rise up and make it safer, richer and safer.
“We will have a nation of compassion, strength, and exceptionalism. Through our strength and might, we will stop war, and we will move our world toward peace. We will be respected again, we will be accepted again— —As admired as we haven’t been for many, many years, we are going to put America first, and by doing this, we will make America great again.
Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard points to favorite Bible verse after scoring opening touchdown in national championship game

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard is tackled by Ohio State defensive end JT Tuimoloau during the first half of the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. hug. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Trump touted the excitement he has seen across the country since he won the election over former Vice President Kamala Harris. He also had a message for the players taking part in the competition.
“Less than three months after the election, you’re already watching this happen. You can feel the excitement, you can see the confidence and spirit returning to our country. Together we will lead our country to glorious new heights. .
“To all the players and fans watching tonight, I know it’s been a long, hard journey. It’s been a long season, but you’ve got two great teams, come into the game, go out and fight hard, fight fair, Let the better team win and I will enjoy watching the game, thank you and good night.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day runs back Quinshon Judkins during the first half of the College Football Playoff national championship game on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. Celebrating after a touchdown. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
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Ohio State led 21-7 at halftime, and vice president J.D. Vance must have been delighted.
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