President Trump has received mixed receptions at sporting events over the last decade. He was booed by Washington Nationals fans at the World Series in 2019, but has basked in thunderous applause at college football games since his first presidency began in 2017.

The Republican became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl on Sunday, drawing raucous cheers from NFL fans in New Orleans during the national anthem.

The video board at the Superdome showed Mr. Trump saluting the flag next to his daughter Ivanka as singer Jon Batiste performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

In a prerecorded interview that aired before the game, the president told Fox News that his presence at Sunday’s game could help unify a divided country.

“I think just the spirit of the country, the country’s taken on a whole new life,” the Republican said. “I thought it would be a good thing for the country to have the president be at the game.”Mr. Trump noted that he didn’t have a particular rooting interest, but predicted a Chiefs victory.

He was quick to praise Brittany Mahomes, the wife of Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“You have to say a quarterback who has won as much as he’s won, I have to go with Kansas City,” he said. “It’s an iconic day. It’s going to be a great game, two great teams, and let’s see what happens.”

• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.