New York’s latest collapse drew a not-so-quiet reaction from an unexpected corner: former President Donald Trump blasted the Giants’ late-game call that cost them vs. Detroit. The Giants, who piled up yards but couldn’t close, watched a fourth-down gamble backfire and allowed the Lions to force overtime and win 34-27.
“Why did the New York Football Giants (NFL) not kick that Field Goal??? Who would have done such a thing? It was CRAZY! I got to watch the end of the game and thought, when they went for the touchdown instead of the 3, ‘That’s Weird!!!'” wrote President Donald Trump (Truth Social).
President Donald Trump Slams Mike Kafka’s Late-Game Gamble
Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Sarasota Fairgrounds Saturday night, July 3, 2021, that was Co-sponsored by the Republican Party of Florida. Trump, 75, talked about MAGA and the accomplishments of his administration.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Sarasota Fairgrounds Saturday night, July 3, 2021, that was Co-sponsored by the Republican Party of Florida. Trump, 75, talked about MAGA and the accomplishments of his administration.
Sar 070521 Trump Rally 01
The 38-year-old interim coach, Mike Kafka, went for it on fourth down late, a call meant to seize control. Instead, the Giants turned it over on downs; Detroit marched, tied it, and then sealed the victory in overtime. That sequence of aggressive playcalling, failed execution, and immediate collapse is the crux of the issue. Trump’s Truth Social post, reported November 24, 2025, publicly framed the call as baffling and “crazy,” amplifying fan fury and prodding national outlets.
Kafka defended the decision in his postgame presser: Hesaid, “We did want to be aggressive. Just thought it was a good time to take points in that situation and go up two scores. Had a good flow, wanted to go up two scores.” That defense is on the record and matches what reporters logged after the game.
New York had built a lead, amassed big yardage, and still couldn’t close, a recurring theme this season that makes single calls feel seismic. Fans and some players instantly questioned game management (Malik Nabers’ deleted X post is one public example). Media outlets from GiantsWire to Yahoo and Fox picked up the presidential jab and ran with it, turning a coach’s tactical choice into a national talking point.
Mike Kafka’s aggressive fourth-down call justified the headline; it cost the Giants the safe points and, ultimately, the game. Trump’s comment turned a coaching debate into a viral moment. For a franchise already searching for answers, this is another headline they didn’t need.