Trump Will Not Attend Saturday’s Game in Tuscaloosa, White House Says
UPDATE: The Tuscaloosa Police Department and now the White House directly confirm that President Trump will NOT be attending the game Saturday.
President Donald Trump still plans to be in Tuscaloosa on Saturday for the Alabama-Georgia game, a White House correspondent said Friday morning, even with Hurricane Isaias bearing down on the state.
John Decker, who covers the White House, told iHeartRadio’s First News on 570 that the administration reconfirmed the trip to him overnight.
“Last night I got contacted by the White House and they confirmed the trip is on,” Decker said. “They can change their minds, of course, but right now, as things stand today, that trip is going to happen and the president is going to travel to both Tennessee and Alabama tomorrow.”
Decker told the news talk show that he was unbothered by the idea of flying south in bad weather.
“I think I have the best pilot in the world flying me down to Tuscaloosa, and I’ve got the best plane in the world — Air Force One,” he said. “I feel pretty good about it, actually. I’ll bring a slicker if it’s needed.”
A Trip Announced in Mobile
The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium in a matchup of undefeated SEC juggernauts. Trump attended the 2024 Alabama-Georgia game in Tuscaloosa alongside Alabama Sen. Katie Britt.
Friday guidance on Hurricane Isaias has it well past Tuscaloosa by kickoff time, though, with most impact overnight and early Saturday morning. Landfall is expected Friday night before midnight.
Whatever happens with the presidential visit, Saturday’s game day will not look like a normal one.
The University of Alabama announced Thursday that tailgating will not be permitted anywhere on campus before noon Saturday and that only uncovered tailgating will be allowed after that. Campus parking lots and shuttles will not open until noon either, all activities on and around the Quad have been canceled, and ESPN’s College GameDay has moved its broadcast indoors to Coleman Coliseum.
The City of Tuscaloosa has also canceled Saturday’s farmers market, citing the forecast for high winds and heavy rain, and a planned concert at Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater.
Decker acknowledged the trip could still be called off. Asked whether there was any chance of a cancellation, he said there is “always that possibility.”
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Gallery Credit: (Stephen Dethrage | Tuscaloosa Thread)