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3mo ago

Trump Announces 2027 NFL Draft on National Mall, Drawing Criticism Over Political Optics

At a White House event, off-script remarks by Trump on immigration and AI overshadowed sports, leaving Mayor Bowser visibly uncomfortable and sparking debate on local governance and misinformation.

President Donald Trump, from right, departs as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser look on after an event to announce that the 2027 NFL Draft will be held on the National Mall, in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, May 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser listens as President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce that the 2027 NFL Draft will be held on the National Mall, in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, May 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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Overview

  • President Trump confirmed the 2027 NFL Draft will take place on Washington, D.C.'s National Mall, alongside NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Commanders owner Josh Harris.
  • The announcement comes as Washington, D.C., advances plans to rebuild RFK Stadium and bring the Commanders back to the city, with billions of dollars in investments reported.
  • Trump's off-topic remarks on immigration and AI during the event drew attention, with critics highlighting the use of attendees as political props and concerns about implicit support for misinformation.
  • Mayor Bowser's visible discomfort during the event sparked widespread commentary, with media and social platforms scrutinizing her body language and silence as a form of passive disagreement.
  • The event occurs against the backdrop of D.C.'s ongoing fiscal challenges, as Bowser negotiates a House-approved budget fix to avert major service cuts and faces debates over the RFK Stadium redevelopment deal.