New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter has joined a wave of New Yorkers in publicly criticizing his quarterback, Jaxson Dart, for welcoming former President Donald Trump at a campaign event in New York. Dart, a 23-year-old former first-round pick, was selected to introduce Trump for a stump speech at Rockland Community College, north of the city, on Friday.
Dart's Introduction Sparks Controversy
Dart addressed the excited crowd, saying, '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' and hugged Dart, later calling him a 'future Hall of Famer.'
However, Carter, entering his second NFL season, was displeased by his teammate's public endorsement. On Saturday morning, he posted on X: 'Thought this s*** was AI, what we doing man.'
Fan Reactions and Team Dynamics
The controversy is not ideal for new Giants head coach John Harbaugh, who is preparing for his first season. Both Dart and Carter are expected to be key players. During his speech, Trump commented on Dart's physique: '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.'
Trump 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 upset. One critic wrote, 'Jaxson Dart just let the world know how much of an idiot he is! So stupid!' Another added, 'Seeing a Giants player introduce Trump in New York feels like a bad joke. New Yorkers reject this kind of politics.'
A fan declared, 'Jaxson didn't make any friends in our blue city… with this MAGA a**-licking.' Several objected to Dart's decision not because of Trump's politics but because they wanted him to remain apolitical. One angry fan wrote, '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**.'
Political Divide and Support
Others took issue with Trump's 58-percent disapproval rating, according to Daily Mail/J.L. Partners polling. One critic wrote, 'Yikes, Dart introduces racist trump.' Eagle-eyed fans also noticed that the 6ft2 Dart stood slightly taller than Trump, who claims to be 6ft3in.
Conversely, Trump's MAGA supporters were thrilled. Presidential appointee Nick Adams anointed 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 politically outspoken since being drafted in 2025, but he previously shared kind words about slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk and commented 'May God watch over him and his family!' on a Team Trump post.
