Trump reaches the Indiana-Miami college football national championship
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MIAMI GARDENS, Florida – President Donald Trump arrived at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Monday night to watch top-seeded Indiana chase the Hoosiers’ first national title against the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff national championship game.
Trump arrived at the stadium, home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and Hurricanes. He was expected to be accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
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President Donald Trump waves as he boards Air Force One Jan. 16, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Trump travels to Palm Beach, Florida. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
He was sitting with Kai Trump in a stadium suite.
Before his arrival, Trump issued a statement congratulating both teams on their pursuit of a national title.
“At its best, college football reflects our timeless American values of family, freedom, unity and hard work and represents the pinnacle of our national spirit,” his statement read in part.
“Melania and I congratulate the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes for reaching the College Football Playoff National Championship. God bless the talented players and dedicated coaches, the families who love and support them, and the loyal fans who cheer them on. May the best team win!”
TRUMP CONGRATULATES INDIANA AND MIAMI BEFORE CFP NATIONAL TITLE MATCH: ‘MAY THE BEST TEAM WIN!’
President Donald Trump gestures as he walks from Marine One after arriving on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The Hoosiers are making their first title game appearance under coach Curt Cignetti, who turned the program around with a 26-2 record over the past two seasons, including their undefeated run to the championship. Leading the charge is Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who grew up in Miami.
On the other hand, the Miami Hurricanes are chasing their sixth national title and first since 2001. Former Georgia starter Carson Beck appears in his first championship game after breaking his UCL in the SEC Championship during the 2024 season.
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Trump’s arrival on Monday adds to a growing list of high-profile appearances at major sporting events. He last appeared at a Washington Commanders game in November, becoming the first sitting president to attend a regular-season NFL game since 1978, when former President Jimmy Carter was in office.
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