news-engine

Donald Trump and Pat McAfee crossed paths on a rainy tarmac in Cleveland, greeting each other before walking away and waving to supporters. The two later walked side-by-side during the opening ceremony for the Patriot Games finals. Trump and McAfee then took front-row seats for the event, alongside other White House officials and athletes who participated in the Patriot Games. McAfee has never publicly identified himself as a Trump supporter, though critics have pointed to his relationship with the president as evidence of a close connection. Last year, McAfee hosted Trump on his “The Pat McAfee Show,” speaking with the president by phone during the historically long government shutdown. Trump told McAfee that he appeared on the show because, “I hear you say such nice things about me.” McAfee later defended the decision to have Trump on his program, noting that he had also invited former President Barack Obama, although scheduling conflicts prevented that appearance. He said, “In my eyes he’s the leader of the military and we were celebrating the hell out of Veteran’s Day.” Tuesday’s Patriot Games final is being held at SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio, with the event scheduled to air on ABC on Thursday night. Five male and five female athletes remain after several days of competition that began with 120 participants. One male and one female winner will ultimately be crowned, with each receiving $125,000 in scholarship money. The Patriot Games feature 120 high school students between the ages of 14 and 17 who were selected through an application and screening process. One boy and one girl were chosen from each state, while another 20 competitors were selected from U.S. territories and tribal nations. The competition has featured events including dodgeball, kickball, military-inspired circuits and tug of war. NOTE: If you have any news tips or podcast recaps that you’d like to send in for us to post (full credit will be given to you), please email me at [email protected].