The college football national championship game between Indiana and Miami on January 19, 2026, was more than just a sports event. It turned into a political spectacle, too.
President Donald Trump showed up and, as you might expect, drew plenty of attention both on and off the field. High-profile faces like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Sen. Jim Banks, Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner were also spotted in the crowd. Their presence added a whole new layer of intrigue to the night.
President Trump at the National Championship Game
Trump, who took office less than a year ago, seems to make a habit of attending big American sporting events. His appearance at the Indiana-Miami championship game fit right in with that pattern.
He was shown on ESPN during the national anthem. The crowd at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, mostly cheered—though there were a few mixed reactions if you listened closely.
Trump’s Sporting Event Appearances
Since stepping into office, Trump has popped up at several major sporting events. He even made history as the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl last year.
He’s also been seen at the Army-Navy game and a handful of UFC events. Clearly, he enjoys connecting with Americans through these shared cultural moments—maybe more than some previous presidents.
Political Figures in Attendance
Trump wasn’t the only political heavyweight in the stadium. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Miami grad and former U.S. Senator from Florida, was there too.
Rubio’s attendance felt especially meaningful, considering his Miami roots and his connection to the university. It’s not every day you see a hometown politician back on campus for a national title game.
Sen. Jim Banks
Sen. Jim Banks of Indiana was also in the stands. He took office in January 2025 after serving in the House of Representatives for eight years.
Banks is an Indiana alum and made no secret of his excitement. On his official X account, he said he’d never been more thrilled to watch IU football play for a national championship. He even posted a photo at ESPN’s “College GameDay” desk—hard to miss the enthusiasm there.
Family Members and Close Associates
Trump watched the game from his box alongside his daughter Ivanka Trump and his granddaughter Kai Trump. Kai, who’s signed to Miami’s women’s golf team, brought a personal twist to the Miami side of things.
Ivanka’s husband, Jared Kushner, was there too. He served as Senior Adviser during Trump’s first term, so he’s no stranger to these high-profile events.
Conclusion
The national championship game between Indiana and Miami was memorable. It wasn’t just about the football, though the action on the field kept everyone on their toes.
President Trump showed up, and honestly, that brought a whole new vibe to the stadium. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Sen. Jim Banks were there too, which made the crowd buzz even more.
Trump keeps popping up at these big sporting events. Will this change how people see the intersection of sports and politics? Hard to say for sure, but it’s definitely something to watch.
If you want the full rundown, including who was sitting with Trump, check out the article here.
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