SUFFERN — Jaxson Dart introduced Donald Trump at a campaign event inside Eugene Levy Fieldhouse at Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York, on Friday, May 22, 2026. Trump spoke about his economic accomplishments during the appearance, held in the congressional district represented by Rep. Mike Lawler, who is running for reelection in the November 2026 midterm elections.
Dart, the New York Giants’ quarterback, issued a pre-written statement about his appearance with Trump and has not taken any questions on the matter. Since the event, Trump has continued to mention Dart on social media and television, boasting about how attractive the Giants’ quarterback is.
Reactions to Dart’s involvement have been divided. Abdul Carter, a defensive end and practicing Muslim, criticized the decision, stating, "Some things are bigger than football, and this is one of those things. Jaxson is one of our leaders – he's the face of our franchise. He represents himself and what he does, and he represents…" Carter’s remarks referenced Trump’s past actions, including Executive Order 13769 issued during Trump’s first term, which sought to ban entry to the United States for foreign nationals from several predominantly Muslim countries. In 2019, Trump told Rep. Ilhan Omar to “go back to where she came from.” Trump has also threatened to withdraw federal funding from New York if Zohran Mamdani were elected mayor.
Others have offered support for Dart’s choice. Backup quarterback Jameis Winston stated that Jaxson Dart and Abdul Carter will come together and set an example while not glossing over past atrocities. The Giants are coached by John Harbaugh during the 2026 season.