Donald Trump cancels NFL game visit
President Donald Trump was reportedly planning to attend the Pittsburgh Steelers game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 18, 2026. CNN correspondent Kristen Holmes first reported the expected visit on October 13.
The game was scheduled for a Sunday afternoon kickoff at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Later that day, Holmes reported that the planned presidential trip would no longer take place.
CNN identifies 2 sources for visit
CNN correspondent Kristen Holmes reported that Trump’s expected to attend on October 13, citing 2 sources familiar with his travel plans. The report concerned the Pittsburgh Steelers’ upcoming road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The initial coverage described a planned visit rather than a confirmed White House announcement. Holmes later updated the story to report that the president’s trip to Tampa had been removed from his schedule.
Trump trip cancellation reported October 13
CNN correspondent Kristen Holmes reported on October 13, 2026, that Donald Trump’s planned trip to Tampa had been canceled. NBC Sports covered the scheduling change the following morning, October 14.
As of October 16, Trump was no longer expected to attend the October 18 game between Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay. The reports did not identify a specific reason for the cancellation.
Reporter acknowledges reaction to Trump’s plans
CNN correspondent Kristen Holmes acknowledged negative feedback about Donald Trump’s reported plans to attend the Steelers-Buccaneers game.
In her October 13 update announcing the trip’s cancellation, Holmes addressed people who were unhappy about the expected visit and expressed hope that they had kept their tickets. Her comments did not establish how NFL fans nationwide viewed the plans.
Pittsburgh Steelers enter Week 6 at 3 and 2
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter their October 18 game with 3 wins and 2 losses. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has recorded 1,234 passing yards and 10 touchdown passes through the team’s first 5 games this season.
Pittsburgh defeated the Indianapolis Colts 34 to 22 on October 11. Rodgers threw 3 touchdown passes in that victory, while the Steelers improved their record under head coach Mike McCarthy during his first season.
Tampa Bay seeks its first home win
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a record of 1 win and 4 losses entering Week 6. The team has yet to win at Raymond James Stadium during the 2026 NFL regular season this year.
Tampa Bay is averaging 20 points per game, compared with Pittsburgh’s 22.2 points. The Buccaneers have allowed an average of 22.4 points, while the Steelers have surrendered 21.8 through their first 5 games.
Jalon Daniels prepares for 3rd start
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels is expected to make his third consecutive NFL start against Pittsburgh. The undrafted quarterback has replaced Baker Mayfield, who is recovering from an injury to his right thumb.
Daniels completed 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards and 1 touchdown against Dallas on October 8. The performance helped the rookie secure his first NFL victory during his second career start in Texas.
Bucky Irving leads Tampa Bay rushing attack
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving rushed for a career-best 165 yards against the Dallas Cowboys on October 8. His performance helped Tampa Bay secure a 24 to 16 road victory that evening.
Irving scored 2 touchdowns, including 1 rushing score and 1 receiving touchdown. Tampa Bay finished with 241 rushing yards as a team and forced 3 turnovers, according to the Buccaneers’ official game report.
Fun fact: The Pittsburgh Steelers hold a 10–2 all-time lead against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers heading into their Week 6 matchup on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Raymond James Stadium.
Donald Trump attended Steelers game in 2024
Donald Trump attended the Pittsburgh Steelers game against the New York Jets on October 20, 2024. Pittsburgh defeated New York 37 to 15 at Acrisure Stadium, with Aaron Rodgers starting at quarterback for the Jets.
Trump attended the game during his 2024 presidential campaign, before returning to the White House in January 2025. The appearance took place during a Sunday night matchup involving 2 teams from different AFC divisions.
Aaron Rodgers discussed Trump in September
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers criticized President Donald Trump during a September 10, 2026, appearance on Not Just Football with Cam Heyward. Rodgers questioned campaign promises and discussed his views about previous presidential administrations.
Rodgers made the comments while speaking with Steelers teammate Cam Heyward during the NFL regular season. The podcast interview preceded the October 13 reports about Trump’s planned attendance at Pittsburgh’s upcoming game in Tampa.
Donald Trump attended Super Bowl LIX
Donald Trump attended Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40 to 22 in the NFL championship game that night.
The appearance made Trump the first sitting United States president to attend a Super Bowl. The visit occurred shortly after his second inauguration and was widely covered by national sports and political news organizations.
Trump visited Commanders game in 2025
Donald Trump attended the Washington Commanders’ game against the Detroit Lions at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, on November 9, 2025.
The appearance made him the first sitting president to attend an NFL regular-season game since Jimmy Carter in 1978. It followed Trump’s attendance at Super Bowl LIX earlier that year.
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Steelers and Buccaneers play October 18
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are scheduled to meet on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Raymond James Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET, with CBS providing local television coverage that afternoon.
As of October 15, the NFL game remains on the schedule despite the cancellation of Donald Trump’s reported visit. Pittsburgh enters with 3 wins, while Tampa Bay is seeking its second victory of the season.
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What do you think about Donald Trump’s reported NFL visit and its cancellation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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