Chicago – July 19, 2026
The public disagreement between Pakistani-American billionaire and Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan and U.S. President Donald Trump became one of the most prominent clashes between an NFL owner and the White House during the 2017 national anthem protests.
The dispute began after Trump criticized NFL players who knelt during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality. In response, Khan joined Jaguars players by linking arms on the sidelines before a game in London, describing the gesture as a display of unity and support for free expression. Trump maintained that players should stand during the anthem, arguing that the protests were disrespectful to the American flag and military.
Khan later criticized the president’s remarks, saying they deepened political divisions and suggesting Trump’s repeated attacks on the NFL were driven by personal grievances. The exchange drew widespread attention, highlighting broader national debates over free speech, patriotism and the role of sports in political discourse. The controversy remains a notable chapter in the relationship between professional sports and U.S. politics.
