Pat McAfee, a top-rated ESPN presenter, told his critics that they should pound the sand when he interviewed President Donald Trump for Veteran’s day.
The “Pat McAfee show” honored veterans with a lively performance from Parris Island, a Marine Corps recruitment depot. Highlight of the program was an unexpected 20-minute telephone interview with Donald Trump.
Trump laughed at the beginning of the interview, saying that he only joined the show because he heard you talk so highly about me. Trump joked that he only appears in shows with complimentary hosts, adding, “I join when people are nice to me.” “When they are not complimentary about me, then I don’t join.”
In honoring Veterans Day, Trump spoke about the improvements made by his administration to the Department of Veterans Affairs. He said that he replaced the “sadists,” from the previous administration, with “loving individuals” in order to serve veterans better. Trump said that “nearly 92 percent” of veterans supported him, and led the Marine audience in a stirring “Ooh rah!” chorus.
Trump discussed politics, praising the recent funding agreement as “a big win against Democrats.” He accused them of pushing for free health care for undocumented migrants during the 42 day shutdown.
The president, who is a sports fan, delivered an rant about the NFL’s new kickoff format. He called it “bad,” “unromantic,”and “demeaning” to football. “I do not think that they have the right to change it… I hope one day the NFL stops it and goes back to football.”
Trump told anecdotes about his experience at the Ryder Cup. He called it thrilling and expressed concerns over safety in 2026 World Cup venues. Trump joked that some NFL coaches could make excellent presidents. He spoke about his appearance at the Washington Commanders’ game on television and the stadium negotiations.
Why don’t Mr. President you say OORAH?
“I will.. OORAH” ~ @POTUS
We love EVERYTHING about that #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/pfgAyceX5R
Pat McAfee 11 November 2025 HTML0
McAfee’s audience was pleased with the interview, but ESPN’s reputation for being a liberal media outlet was not lost on him. McAfee, refusing to apologize, was unfazed by the criticism.
I will say something to the people who are closest to me, because they’re going to be very upset about this. Veteran’s day is the President of the United States. “He’s commander-in chief,” said ESPN host. We’ll talk to him if the chance arises. “He is funny.”
Watch Pat McAfee’s response to liberals who were upset that he interviewed President Trump on Veterans Day.
It’s President Obama. Veterans Day. It’s Veterans Day. We’ll talk to him if we get the chance. “
pic.twitter.com/fGUQ7M7FKP
CJ Pearson (@Cjpearson 11 November 2025
