President Trump was booed by some fans when he appeared on the Jumbotron at the Tennessee vs. Texas game in Knoxville on Sept. 26. He sat in a private box beside Sen. Marsha Blackburn and departed at halftime after Air Force One performed a low flyover. The University of Texas warned of enhanced Secret Service screenings and traffic disruptions ahead of the visit. The appearance follows other high-profile sporting events this year where Trump also faced boos from crowds.
Trump Booed on Jumbotron at Tennessee vs. Texas Game in Knoxville
Donald Trump boards Air Force One after attending part of the Texas Longhorns-Tennessee Volunteers game on Sept. 26, 2026Credit: Tom Brenner/Getty
President Donald Trump, 80, was met with audible boos from some fans when he appeared on the Jumbotron during the highly anticipated college football matchup between the Tennessee Volunteers and the top-ranked Texas Longhorns at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville on Sept. 26, 2026.
President Donald Trump appears on the Jumbotron, alongside Sen. Marsha Blackburn, at the Texas Longhorns-Tennessee Volunteers game on Sept. 26, 2026Credit: Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty
Video clips shared widely on social media captured sections of the crowd jeering as Trump, seated in a private box beside Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn, offered several fist pumps toward the stands. Air Force One marked the president's arrival with a low flyover of the stadium. According to reports, Trump departed quietly at halftime.
President Donald Trump at the Texas Longhorns-Tennessee Volunteers game on Sept. 26, 2026Credit: Tom Brenner/Getty
Security Preparations and Local Notice
The University of Texas Athletics alerted attendees in advance, warning of stepped-up security measures ahead of the president's visit. In a release on Sept. 23, the school advised fans to arrive early and said the Secret Service Police would conduct enhanced screenings at all gates. Organizers also warned of additional security checkpoints, heavier traffic and temporary road closures around Neyland Stadium.
Context: Other High-Profile Appearances
Conservative commentator Clay Travis first reported Trump’s plans to attend the game; White House officials later confirmed the appearance to the Knoxville News Sentinel. The Tennessee appearance follows several other high-profile sporting events this year where Trump drew crowd reactions. On July 19, he attended the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., and was booed when he joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the field to present the trophy after Spain’s 1–0 win.
A similar response greeted him on June 8 at the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals game against the San Antonio Spurs, where spectators booed while the national anthem was performed as Trump watched from a private suite with his granddaughter, Kai Trump. In 2025, he became the first sitting U.S. president to attend the Super Bowl, viewing the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles matchup from a VIP suite at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
What Happened: Trump appeared on the stadium Jumbotron, was booed by portions of the crowd, and left at halftime. Enhanced Secret Service screening and traffic disruptions were in place for his visit.
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