President Donald Trump announced that the 2027 NFL Draft will be held at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., during a press conference at the White House on Monday, May 5, according to the Daily Mail. Standing alongside NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Trump called the upcoming event a major opportunity for the capital — and even hinted at a personal role in the spectacle.
Later that week, on Wednesday, May 7, the 78-year-old president joined Hugh Hewitt’s podcast via phone and suggested that he might be the one to announce the No. 1 overall pick, a moment typically reserved for the NFL commissioner.
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“He did actually,” Trump said when Hewitt asked whether Goodell had offered him the honor. However, the president quickly cast doubt on his own claim by getting the year wrong. “It’s the 2026 draft, actually,” Trump incorrectly stated during the interview. “And it’s going to be exciting. It’s great for Washington, D.C. We need it a little bit.”
If the plan holds, it will be the first time Washington, D.C., hosts the high-profile NFL event. The National Mall, with its iconic backdrop and large open space, is expected to accommodate thousands of spectators. “I don’t think there’s ever been anything like that,” Trump said of the planned venue. “That’s a good idea… Maybe we could use it for other things also.”
While the announcement was welcomed by some football fans, others voiced concern over the president’s focus on sports-related matters amid the responsibilities of leading the nation. The Daily Mail’s comment section quickly filled with criticism from readers who questioned Trump’s priorities.
“Shouldn’t he be spending his time leading the country?” one commenter asked. “Keep him occupied and away from anything economical!” another quipped. “Oh, for Pete’s sake! He needs to focus on his presidential duties, which are far more important,” one reader wrote, echoing a widely shared sentiment.
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“I wonder how much that will cost the taxpayers. He is so lame,” another added. “Trump needs to just stay away,” said one person, while another remarked, “He’s involved in everything but taking care of the country.”
Despite the backlash, Trump appeared enthusiastic about both the draft and its high-profile location, promoting it as a cultural and economic boost for Washington. But as criticism mounts, the president may have to defend whether his involvement in entertainment events overshadows his attention to national affairs.
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