Trump tells Pat McAfee he only joins interviews when people ‘say nice things’ about him

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA: President Donald Trump appeared on ESPN’s 'The Pat McAfee Show' after learning that the host had praised him. Fresh from delivering his Veterans Day address at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, November 11, he joined the program by phone.

The president opened the conversation by saying, “I’m joining you because I hear you say nice things about me to your very large audience.” He went on to admit that he only agrees to interviews when people “say nice things” about him — otherwise, he simply “takes a pass."

Donald Trump says he only gives interviews to people who ‘say nice things’

Trump’s offhand comment came during a light-hearted exchange with McAfee, a former NFL punter and popular sports host. On Veterans Day, McAfee had shown support for the president during an NFL broadcast, prompting Trump’s surprise call.

“When they don’t say nice things about me, I take a pass,” Trump admitted, laughing. McAfee responded, “That’s not a bad way to look at things. I feel very similar about how I treat people.”

Throughout their 22-minute conversation, Trump maintained a positive tone, mixing jokes with praise for his administration’s work with veterans. “It’s Veterans Day, and we’re talking to veterans,” he said. “And you know, we have a 92% rating at the VA.”

McAfee also defended his decision to host the president amid criticism from some viewers. “For the immediate people that are mad, it’s the president of the United States. It’s Veterans Day. He’s the Commander-in-Chief. Of course, if we get the chance to talk to him, we’re going to!” McAfee said on air, clapping back at detractors.

Donald Trump faces boos while attending NFL game in Maryland

Just days earlier, on Sunday, November 9, Trump attended an NFL game in Landover, Maryland, where he oversaw a military swearing-in ceremony during halftime. Despite the patriotic moment, the president received a wave of boos from parts of the crowd.

Donald Trump received a wave of boos from the crowd during the NFL game in Landover, Maryland, on Sunday, November 9. He was at the stadium to oversee a military swearing-in ceremony held during halftime.

As he read the US Armed Forces Oath of Enlistment — “I, (state name of enlistee), do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic…” — the mixed reaction from fans continued throughout.

Trump was the first sitting president since Jimmy Carter in 1978 to attend a regular-season NFL game. Despite the chilly reception, he carried out the ceremony and later spoke with McAfee, highlighting the day’s importance for veterans and active service members.