Donald Trump arrives at LSU-Clemson national title game to rousing reception

Andre Toran and Paul Myerberg | USA TODAY Sports

NEW ORLEANS — President Donald Trump was welcomed with overwhelming enthusiasm in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome Monday night before the college football national title game here in a region that represents the heart of his political base.

Trump was shown on the dome's two big boards as he and his wife and first lady, Melania Trump, entered from the right corner of the LSU endzone before the singing of the national anthem. The 45th president of United States greeted the crowd with a lengthy wave. Some chanted "USA, USA" while others chanted "four more years."

According to a pool report, Trump was asked after the national anthem by Karen Travers of ABC which team he likes tonight.

"Both,” Trump said, giving a smile and a thumbs up.

The reaction inside Mercedes-Benz Superdome to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump walked onto the field. pic.twitter.com/DgbWxvy6cW — USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) January 14, 2020

His motorcade arrived at the Superdome at 7:38 p.m. ET, cheered on by a few fans at the main gate. There was a heavy security presence throughout the arena. He attended the game while facing questions and scrutiny over a drone strike in Iran and an impeachment inquiry that could include a trial later this month.

It’s not unusual for the president to attend sporting events. He has made it a common occurrence since the 2019 World Series, including a UFC match and the Army-Navy game in December.

The visit to New Orleans was the third college football game this season he has attended. Trump was previously present for the matchup between Alabama and LSU in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Nov. 9 and also the Army-Navy game in Philadelphia in Dec. 14. He received a positive reaction at both games.

Trump also visited Nationals Park for Game 5 of the World Series on Oct. 27 between the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros and made an appearance at that weekend's UFC 244 at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

And he attended the College Football Playoff championship game in Atlanta between Alabama and Georgia on Jan. 8, 2018.

Monday's already jammed pack event became just a little more congested due to the deliberate and careful nature of the security. However, Clemson fan and former military personnel Tony Waldrop didn't mind. If anything he welcomed the magnitude of the game and the presence of the president.

"Coming in the door and seeing the extra metal detectors off the bat made me feel a little better," Waldrop said. "Knowing he's going to be and knowing there's going to be even more security kind of gives me a feeling of comfort."

According to a poll report, Trump left near the end of the third quarter with LSU leading 35-25. The motorcade left the Superdome area at 11:34 p.m., ET.

LSU won the game, 42-25, for its first national championship since 2007.

Contributing: David Jackson.