White House officials have announced that President Donald Trump will be attending Super Bowl LIX on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
According to CNN, officials have said that a guest list is currently being prepared, but one guest could include House Speaker Mike Johnson who is a Louisianna native.
While there is always heightened security at the Super Bowl, a source told CNN the security detail will be increased because of Trump‘s expected presence, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem – who is overseeing security measures – sharing photos from the venue Tuesday.
The Kansas City Chiefs are set to take on the Philadelphia Eagles, while rapper Kendrick Lamar will be performing at the Super Bowl half-time show.
Prior to the event, staff will be reduced on site from Friday and into Saturday, where security sweeps will be undertaken, with a source telling CNN the security sweeps are “intense” and “very serious.”
In a post on X, Noem said DHS is working “around the clock” to ensure the venue is kept safe.
“DHS has protected the NFL Super Bowl for 20+ years. We’re working around the clock to ensure a safe and secure game day at the Superdome and in the city of New Orleans.” Noem said.
According to the New York Post, if Trump attends the Super Bowl, he will be the first sitting president in U.S. history to do so.
The Post further notes that security measures have been heightened after an ISIS-inspired terrorist drove his truck through New Year’s Eve revealers on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter in the small hours of New Year’s Day. The terror attack killed 14 people and injured dozens more.
The Hill reported Trump will be sitting for an extensive interview only three hours before kickoff at 3 p.m. ET, with Fox News host Bret Baier.
