Donald Trump received a warm welcome from the Miami crowd as he arrived to watch the college football playoff final, accompanied by his family. The enthusiastic cheers underscored the former president’s enduring popularity in certain circles.

Sports have been a significant part of Trump’s presidency since he was re-elected in 2024. Throughout his second term, he has made frequent appearances at various sporting events, reflecting his keen interest in athletics and public engagement.

On Monday night, Trump made yet another public appearance at the national championship game in Miami. The event featured a thrilling matchup between the No. 10 Hurricanes, who were playing on home turf, and the top-seeded Hoosiers, drawing significant attention and excitement.

Joining Trump at the game were several family members, reinforcing the familial aspect of his public persona. His daughter Ivanka, along with her husband Jared Kushner and their sons, Joseph Frederick and Theo James, were present at the event.

Also in attendance were Kai, Trump’s granddaughter and daughter of Donald Trump Jr., alongside her mother Vanessa. Lara Trump, wife of Trump’s second son Eric, was also there with their children, Luke and Carolina, completing the family gathering at this high-profile sporting event.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined the group on the night and was even seen walking on the field prior to kickoff, while UFC president and Trump ally Dana White also visited the suite.

Donald Trump has made his grand arrival at Hard Rock Stadium ahead of the national title game

The president was joined at the College Football Playoff final by his daughter Ivanka (right)

Trump’s granddaughter, aspiring golfer Kai (left), was also seen in his VIP suite at the game

He is in attendance as Fernando Mendoza looks to inspire Indiana to the national championship

Secretary Doug Burgum, personal senior counsel Boris Epshteyn, communications director Steven Cheung and Dan Scavino, the president’s longtime aide, were the other members of his administration in attendance.

After arriving at the stadium, Trump was seen waving to fans from behind the bulletproof glass in his VIP suite as he prepared to watch the game unfold. 

When he was shown on the big screen during the American national anthem, the president appeared to get a huge ovation from the crowd inside Hard Rock Stadium. 

Indiana are strong favorites to win and have Heisman trophy winner Fernando Mendoza at quarterback, the man widely expected to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft at the end of April, which is held by the Las Vegas Raiders.

However, Trump might be supporting the Hurricanes given his teenage granddaughter, Kai, is on a golf scholarship in Miami.

The 79-year-old has attended college football’s showpiece game before. In 2018, he watched the first half between Alabama and Georgia at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Trump also became the first sitting president in history to attend a Super Bowl in 2025 when he headed to New Orleans to watch the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs, who were on the verge of a three-peat.

Aside from football, he made high-profile appearances at the Ryder Cup, NASCAR’s Daytona 500, a New York Yankees game on the anniversary of 9/11 and UFC 316 since returning to the Oval Office.

It’s a trend that is set to continue in 2026 far beyond the college final. The United States is hosting the World Cup, starting in June where Gianni Infantino, who leads soccer’s governing body FIFA, has gone to to great lengths to forge a friendship with Trump.

Ivanka’s husband Jared Kushner (right) and their two sons joined them at Hard Rock Stadium

Eric Trump’s wife Lara (left) was also present with her young daughter Carolina (bottom right) 

The president has made attending sporting events an integral part of his second term

Trump has also scheduled a UFC event to be held at the White House on June 14, which coincides with his 80th birthday, amid his close friendship with White, the MMA promotion’s CEO.

Furthermore, the next Super Bowl is held on February 8 in Santa Clara, just outside of San Francisco. There is no word yet on if Trump will attend but it is possible, given previous form.

As for Monday’s game itself, a Hoosiers victory would complete one of the biggest turnarounds in the history of college football.

When Curt Cignetti was appointed as the team’s head coach in November 2023, they had a miserable 9-26 record since 2020 in three consecutive losing seasons.

Now, lead by Mendoza, the team are on the brink of glory and are 15-0 going into Monday night’s game.