The New York Giants pushed back after President Donald Trump made some bold claims about his involvement in the Saquon Barkley saga.
During a ceremony honoring the 2025 Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, on Monday, April 28, Trump, 78, said he told members of the Giants organization that they couldn’t “lose” Barkley, 28, who eventually signed with the Eagles in March 2024 after spending the first six seasons of his NFL career with the Giants.
In response, Giants spokesperson Pat Hanlon told Front Office Sports “there were no conversations” between Trump and the franchise about Barkley.
Hanlon also referred the outlet to his personal social media feed, where he also addressed Trump’s remarks.
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“With all due respect, stop yapping,” Hanlon posted via X on Monday. “Be the leader we all want you to be. And my 401K wants you to be. I’m trying to retire!! @realDonaldTrump.”
Barkley, who was in attendance at Monday’s event, was a major focus of Trump’s remarks. The President claimed that he tried convincing Barkley’s former team, the Giants, to sign him to an extension before ultimately choosing to let him walk.
“By the way, I have to tell you something,” Trump said. “I was with the Giants, the head coach and some people. And I said, ‘Do anything you have to, but don’t lose Saquon.’ They lost Saquon. That was not good. I called that one. That was an easy one to call because he played damn well for the Giants, I can tell you that.”
Trump added, “He made the right decision because it is a team sport, and there are great people on this team.”
Barkley attended the Super Bowl ceremony on the heels of golfing with President Trump on Sunday, April 27 in Bedminster, New Jersey. After being criticized by some fans for cozying up to Trump, Barkley addressed the backlash on social media.
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“lol some people are really upset cause I played golfed and flew to the White House with the PRESIDENT,” Barkley posted via X on Monday morning. “Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand. Just golfed with Obama not too long ago…and look forward to finishing my round with Trump!”
He added, “Now ya get out my mentions with all this politics and have [an] amazing day 
.”
While the White House celebration was attended by Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, Eagles owner Howie Roseman and the majority of the Eagles roster, there were some notable absences.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receiver AJ Brown and defensive tackle Jalen Carter were among the group of players who skipped the event. A White House official blamed the players’ absences on “scheduling conflicts.”
