Patriots Owner Robert Kraft's Political Reversal: From Protest Mediator to Trump Ally
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft recently attended the premiere of the "Melania" documentary in Washington alongside former President Donald Trump, marking a significant shift in his public political stance. This appearance comes as the Patriots return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2019, amidst a transformed American sporting and political landscape.
From Voice of Reason to Political Realignment
During the peak of NFL player protests a decade ago, following police killings of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling, Robert Kraft positioned himself as a mediating voice. While some team owners punished players for kneeling during the national anthem, Kraft encouraged his players, including twins Devin and Jason McCourty, toward civic engagement and reform advocacy. His outreach extended to visiting incarcerated rapper Meek Mill and partnering with Jay-Z on criminal justice initiatives, presenting an image of compassionate leadership.
After the January 6th Capitol insurrection, Kraft publicly distanced himself from Trump, having previously donated $1 million to Trump's 2017 inauguration. However, his recent appearance at the Melania documentary premiere signals a reconciliation, with Kraft apparently making peace with the former president despite the violent events of that day.
The Changing Landscape of Sports and Politics
The current environment shows a marked retreat from the social justice momentum of recent years. The George Floyd protests and subsequent athlete activism have faded, replaced by what some describe as a racial retrenchment. The NFL has removed "End Racism" messages from end zones, replacing them with vague slogans like "It Takes All of Us" without clear objectives.
Recent coaching hires further illustrate this shift, with ten openings resulting in zero Black coaches being appointed. Meanwhile, prominent figures like the Harbaugh brothers openly embrace Trump, reflecting broader political realignments within the sports world.
The Transactional Nature of Billionaire Politics
Kraft's reversal exemplifies what critics describe as the malleable ethics of the billionaire class. Despite his previous outrage over January 6th, he has returned to Trump's orbit, though Federal Election Commission records show he didn't contribute to Trump's 2023 inauguration. Instead, gambling companies DraftKings and FanDuel provided nearly $1 million in combined donations.
This transactional approach contrasts with Kraft's earlier image as a principled mediator. His journey from humble season-ticket holder to transformative owner who brought multiple championships to New England now includes this political chapter, where fluid standards and questionable associations have become part of his legacy.
A Symbol of Changing Times
As the Patriots celebrate their Super Bowl return, Kraft embodies a new role in today's polarized climate: the transactional billionaire whose political alliances shift with circumstances. His story reflects broader tensions in American sports, where principles often yield to practical considerations, and the lines between athletics, politics, and power continue to blur.
