New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart introduced President Donald Trump at a campaign-style rally for Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in Suffern, New York on Friday, May 22.
Dart’s brief speech drew criticism from one of his teammates – fellow 2025 first-round pick Abdul Carter – who questioned the quarterback’s decision to appear at the event.
Advertisement
“Thought this (expletive) was AI,” Carter wrote in a May 23 social media repost of Dart’s introduction. “What we doing, man?”
Dart didn’t immediately provide a public response to Carter’s social media grievance, and it isn’t clear whether he will.
Meanwhile, veteran Giants offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor seemed to imply Carter’s jab wasn’t a big deal, telling the New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard to “relax” in a social media conversation about the edge rusher’s original post.
Dart only spoke briefly during the rally. He came out on stage with “Eye of the Tiger” blaring in the background before speaking for about a minute and giving way to Trump.
Advertisement
“Big Blue nation, it’s a pleasure to be here,” Dart said, before leading the crowd in the Giants’ “Go, Big Blue!” chant. “What an honor, what a privilege it is to be here and, without further ado, I’m grateful, I’m honored, I’m pleasured to introduce the 45th and 47th president of the United States of America, President Donald J. Trump.”
Dart then shared a handshake and hug with Trump before the president began his speech by showering the 23-year-old quarterback with praise.
“I want to thank Jaxson Dart,” Trump said. “This is going to be a future Hall of Famer in my book. Thank you, thank you Jaxson. Lot of talent.”
The president referred to Dart throughout his speech when discussing his policy goals, including his desire to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
Advertisement
“I’m looking at Jaxson,” Trump said. “I’d like to know, is there any woman in the audience that thinks they can tackle that guy? Because I’d like to meet you. I’d like to shake your hand. I don’t know. Jaxson, you think you can play against women OK?”
“Don’t get involved Jaxson,” Trump added. “Don’t answer that question.”
Trump also referred to Dart as a “beautiful guy” with “legs like tree trunks” during his speech.
US President Donald Trump is welcomed by New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart before delivering a speech about the economy at Rockland Community College Fieldhouse in Suffern, New York, on May 22, 2026.
Dart is coming off a rookie season during which he started 12 games and posted solid numbers. The Ole Miss product had a 4-8 record while completing 63.7% of his passes for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions while adding 487 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. He finished fourth in the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award voting.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, Carter – the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft – posted 43 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles while finishing fifth in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
The two young Giants stars will have plenty of time to work out their differences ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
USA TODAY Sports’ Nick Brinkerhoff also contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Abdul Carter questions Jaxson Dart for Trump rally appearance
