President Trump welcomed the LSU Tigers to the White House Friday, days after the team won the national championship, saying their football program “has inspired countless fans across the country.”
President @realDonaldTrump caps off an incredible week by welcoming the Louisiana State University Tigers! ?? pic.twitter.com/hIDJHeV5sy
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 17, 2020
"This LSU team will long be remembered as one of the greatest in college football history." pic.twitter.com/BhB8s8Yrfz
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 17, 2020
"This LSU team will long be remembered as one of the greatest in college football history," he said.
Trump’s remarks to the team also took a serious turn when he commented on the adversity they’ve overcome, referring to the plane crash that killed offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger's daughter-in-law and sports reporter Carley McCord.
"And it's not just for what you've done on the football field. In the face of heartbreaking tragedy you've rallied together behind offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger," he said.
After discussing the team’s season, he invited players and coaches to the Oval Office to take some photos.
President Trump praises LSU’s Justin Jefferson, @Real10jayy__ , and @Joe_Burrow10 at the White House.
— Benny (@bennyjohnson) January 17, 2020
“We’re looking at money” pic.twitter.com/aM0YPwZS6U
“It’s been there a long time — a lot of presidents, some good, some not so good. You’ve got a good one now, even though they’re trying to impeach the son of a bitch. Can you believe it?” Trump said to the crowd as they laughed.
“We got the greatest military, we rebuilt it, we took out those terrorists like your football team would have taken out those terrorists, right? We’re doing good,” he said.
The players gave President Trump an LSU jersey with his name on the back and the number 45.
“I thought he was giving me the Heisman Trophy. It’s a jersey,” the president quipped.
QB @Joe_Burrow10 presents President Trump with his LSU jersey at the White House. pic.twitter.com/i4LCQhvb5g
— Benny (@bennyjohnson) January 17, 2020
Coach Ed Orgeron thanked Trump for inviting the team to the White House.
“What an honor to be here at the White House. We have the best organization in the world. We’re so proud of you,” he said, referring to the team and coaches. “One team, one heartbeat. Go Tigers!”
Players appreciated the invitation as well.
"I don’t care if you’re Republican, Democrat, don’t care about politics at all, that was an awesome experience for everybody," quarterback Joe Burrow said after the event.
The National Champions pic.twitter.com/eudio8GFH2
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 17, 2020
The president was able to attend the Monday night game with first lady Melania Trump, where they received a very warm welcome.