New York Giants star Abdul Carter has downplayed fears of a locker room civil war after he publicly criticized his quarterback, Jaxson Dart, for welcoming former President Donald Trump at an event in New York. Dart, who impressed during his rookie season, was tasked with introducing Trump for a stump speech at Rockland Community College on Friday.
The 23-year-old former first-round pick told the excited crowd, "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." Trump then walked onstage to Lee Greenwood's 'God Bless the USA' before hugging Dart, whom he later called a "future Hall of Famer."
Carter, also entering his second NFL season, was not pleased to see his teammate publicly backing Trump. On Saturday morning, the linebacker posted on X: "Thought this s*** was AI, what we doing man." The feud ignited social media, with former NFL players and fans debating whether players should criticize each other's politics.
However, Carter has now put any rumors of a rift to rest ahead of a crucial summer under new head coach John Harbaugh. He posted on Saturday night: "Me & JD6 (Dart) are good! We spoke earlier as Men. Yall can keep yall narratives."
Teammate Jermaine Eluemunor also commented earlier, replying to a Patriots reporter: "Locker Room is fine. Focus on New England." Former Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes defended Dart, writing: "The locker room is a sacred place because it brings together everyone from all walks of life and beliefs for one common goal. Calling a teammate out publicly for his political views and to get attention is nasty work."
During his speech, Trump made remarks about Dart's appearance, saying: "I'm looking at Jaxson… I'm looking at the legs there. He's this beautiful guy. He's got legs like tree trunks. This is not a good thing for women." The Queens native went winless in New York and New Jersey over his three White House runs, so Giants fans from both sides of the Hudson River expressed displeasure with Dart.
One critic wrote: "Jaxson Dart just let the world know how much of an idiot he is!" Another added: "Seeing a Giants player introduce Trump in New York feels like a bad joke. New Yorkers reject this kind of politics." One fan declared: "Jaxson didn't make any friends in our blue city… with this MAGA a**-licking."
Several objected to Dart's decision to remain apolitical, with one angry fan stating: "What. A. F***ing. Moron. God damn him. All my Dart rookie cards are going to go to zero in a week. Stay out of politics you jacka**." Others took issue with Trump's 58% disapproval rating, according to Daily Mail/J.L. Partners polling. One critic wrote: "Yikes, Dart introduces racist trump."
Eagle-eyed fans noted the 6ft2 Dart stood slightly taller than Trump, who claims to be 6ft 3in. Trump's MAGA supporters were thrilled, with presidential appointee Nick Adams anointing the Giants as "early favorites to win the NFC East with pro-Trump stud Jaxson Dart under center!" Another supporter wrote: "Athletes finally using their platform for something real instead of scripted virtue signals. Blue states are cracking, people want strength, not more decline."
Dart has not been outspoken politically since being drafted in 2025, though he shared kind words about slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk last September, posting: "May God watch over him and his family!"
