OAN Staff Jenna Lee
11:48 AM – Friday, May 29, 2026
President Donald Trump heavily defended New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart following the swift social media and locker room backlash the athlete received after introducing him at a New York campaign event.
Dart made a surprise appearance on May 22nd at a Rockland Community College rally in Suffern, New York, held for Representative Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.). Taking the stage to enthusiastic applause, the 23-year-old quarterback led the crowd in a “Go Big Blue” chant before delivering a warm introduction.
“He’s potentially a great quarterback. He’s a young boy who’s just started. But when he’s in the game, he moves the team. I didn’t know him, but I’ve watched him a little bit and moves the team. He’s got tremendous potential. He stays healthy, he’s going to be great,” said Trump in defense of Dart.
“So, when Jaxson gets harassed a little bit, he’s also loved more. Because we have more people than they do,” he added.
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Dart’s appearance immediately sparked a wave of intense scrutiny across social media and sports networks. The reaction even reached inside his own locker room when New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter publicly questioned the move on X. “Thought this s—t was AI, what we doing man,” wrote Carter, reposting the clip of the introduction.
Looking to smooth over any potential locker room friction, Dart took the initiative to address the entire team directly during a closed-door meeting. While the exact details of his remarks remain confidential, the quarterback’s explanation was reportedly well-received and effectively cleared the air.
The gesture successfully defused any simmering tension, a fact underscored by Carter himself. The linebacker publicly confirmed that he and Dart had spoken privately to iron out their differences and are now on excellent terms, putting an end to any speculation of a division within the Giants’ locker room.
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