US President Donald Trump's NFL kickoff rant sparked backlash before the NFC Championship between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams as Minnesota remains shaken by deadly federal shootings
00:14 ET, 26 Jan 2026
United States President Donald Trump walks toward the White House after arriving from Switzerland
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United States President Donald Trump caught heat online for caring about NFL rules as Minnesota protests continue (Image: )
As Minnesota continues to rally in waves against the US government following another deadly confrontation involving federal immigration officers, Donald Trump decided to concentrate on social media and the NFL's ever-evolving rulebook.
Trump went to his Truth Social platform just before the NFL's NFC Championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams to vent about the league's new kickoff rule, which he's complained about for years.
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"I can't watch the new NFL Kickoff,” Trump posted Monday evening. "Who has the right to make such a change? The ridiculous new Kickoff Rule takes away the prestige and power of the game."
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The message drew immediate backlash for its timing. Across Minneapolis, the atmosphere remained anything but trivial.
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About 24 hours earlier, 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex J. Pretti was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol agent while filming federal officers. The incident followed another fatal shooting earlier this month, when Renee Good was killed during a separate Immigration and Customs Enforcement action.
Both deaths fueled protests, grief, and heightened security concerns throughout the Twin Cities. The effects reached professional sports, and Saturday’s NBA matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves was postponed until Sunday.
League officials cited safety concerns near the Timberwolves' Target Center. Ernie Johnson broke the news live on ESPN television and explained that the decision stemmed directly from the fatal shooting and ongoing unrest.
Donald Trump posts on his Truth Social profile
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Donald Trump wants to see the NFL return to its classic kickoff format(Image: Truth Social )
Timberwolves fans directed less-than-favorable chants at ICE following a moment of silence for Pretti during Sunday's game. Social media reactions to Trump were just as unforgiving for his continued focus on sports.
"Taking tone deaf to levels never seen before," one user wrote. Another mocked the contrast between national priorities and sports aesthetics. A third football fan added, "This guy whines about absolutely everything."
Another said, "We are worried about healthcare. Everyone I know is stressed about the fascism in our streets. Good prices are killing us. We are being squashed by oligarchs. Oh, but the NFL kick off? That’s what is bothering the' king.'"
Dareke Young and the Seattle Seahawks celebrate during the NFC Championship game
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The Seattle Seahawks advanced to Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots(Image: )
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Several NFL fans pointed out that while Trump complained about kickoff rules, Minnesota residents were grappling with death, protests, and unanswered questions about federal force.
Trump confirmed to The Wall Street Journal that his administration was reviewing everything related to the Pretti shooting.
Monday's sports slate rolled on regardless. The New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship, while the Seahawks beat the Rams 31-27 in the NFC title game.