Comedian D.L. Hughley has sharply criticized Saquon Barkley and other members of the Philadelphia Eagles who accepted an invitation to visit President Donald Trump at the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl win.
On “TMZ Live” Tuesday, Hughley made his feelings clear, claiming that any Black person who visits Trump at the White House doesn’t understand or care about Black issues. Specifically, he took aim at Barkley, accusing the star running back of being indifferent to the struggles of the Black community.
Hughley Tears Into Barkley for White House Visit
Hughley didn’t hold back, saying that when he looks at Black people, he can tell whether they are truly invested in Black issues. Regarding Barkley, he said, “Saquon just looks and acts like someone who doesn’t care about the problems of the Black community.” Hughley labeled him “indifferent” to these issues, sparking further controversy over the player’s White House visit.
Trump’s Legacy and the Honor of a White House Visit
When asked whether it’s possible to separate the honor of a White House invitation from the person giving the invite, Hughley firmly disagreed. He explained that Trump’s actions have tainted the honor, arguing that the president is not an “honorable man” and has repeatedly shown disrespect for the Black community. Hughley pointed to Trump’s history, including the infamous full-page ads he took out against the Central Park Five in 1989 and his refusal to apologize for those actions.
Hughley also condemned Trump for attempting to erase prominent Black historical figures, such as Harriet Tubman and Jackie Robinson, from public memory during his presidency. He argued that this is further evidence that Trump lacks any genuine respect for Black people.
Barkley Defends His White House Visit
Despite the backlash, Saquon Barkley defended his decision to attend the White House, explaining that he was showing respect for the Office of the President, not necessarily for the individual holding that office. This defense, however, has done little to quell the controversy, with critics like Hughley maintaining that such an excuse isn’t enough to justify the visit.
Saquon Barkley and the Eagles: Controversy Over White House Visit
It’s worth noting that while Barkley chose to attend the ceremony, several high-profile Eagles players, including quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, skipped the White House visit altogether. Hughley’s comments seem particularly pointed at Barkley, given that he is one of the most recognizable figures on the Eagles’ roster.
Public Response to Barkley’s Visit
As of now, Barkley has not responded publicly to Hughley’s critique. The backlash over the White House visit continues to spark heated debates, with critics arguing that athletes who choose to engage with Trump are endorsing his controversial policies and actions.
