Giants rookie Abdul Carter criticized teammate Jaxson Dart after Dart introduced President Donald Trump at a campaign-style rally for Rep. Mike Lawler in Suffern, New York, with Carter posting that Dart’s decision was so strange it “was AI.” Dart later spoke b
The criticism landed quickly for the New York Giants.
On Friday. May 22. Jaxson Dart stepped onstage in Suffern. New York. to introduce President Donald Trump at a campaign-style rally for Republican Rep. Mike Lawler. But by the next day. teammate Abdul Carter was publicly questioning the choice—writing in a May 23 social media repost of Dart’s introduction. “Thought this (expletive) was AI. ” before adding: “What we doing. man?”.
Dart did not immediately respond publicly to Carter’s post, and it was unclear whether he would.
Carter’s comment came as Dart’s rally appearance was brief and tightly stage-managed. With “Eye of the Tiger” blaring in the background. Dart spoke for about a minute before yielding the spotlight to Trump. “Big Blue nation. it’s a pleasure to be here. ” Dart said. before leading the crowd in the Giants’ “Go. Big Blue!” chant. He then described the moment as an honor and privilege. saying. “I’m grateful. I’m honored. I’m pleasured to introduce the 45th and 47th president of the United States of America. President Donald J. Trump.”.
He later shared a handshake and hug with Trump before the president began his speech.
Trump, in turn, spotlighted Dart repeatedly while outlining policy goals. “I want to thank Jaxson Dart. ” Trump said. calling the quarterback “a future Hall of Famer in my book.” He later referred to Dart again when discussing his desire to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. saying. “I’m looking at Jaxson. I’d like to know, is there any woman in the audience that thinks they can tackle that guy?. Because I’d like to meet you. I’d like to shake your hand. I don’t know. Jaxson, you think you can play against women OK?”.
Trump added, “Don’t get involved Jaxson. Don’t answer that question.” During the same stretch, he also described Dart as a “beautiful guy” and joked that he had “legs like tree trunks.”
Around the time Carter’s jab spread, veteran Giants offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor appeared to cool the tension, telling the New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard to “relax” in a social media conversation about Carter’s original post.
Dart, coming off his rookie season, had delivered numbers that could make any public appearance feel high-stakes inside the league. He started 12 games and finished 63.7% passing for 2,272 yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions, while adding 487 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. He also finished fourth in the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award voting.
Carter, for his part, posted a production profile that matched the spotlight—he was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and recorded 43 tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles. He finished fifth in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
Even with the public friction, the two young Giants players will have time to work through it before the 2026 NFL season.
Carter’s question wasn’t about football stats. It was about presence—about what Dart chose to do when the cameras were on, and how teammates were supposed to read that moment once the rally ended.
New York Giants Jaxson Dart Abdul Carter Donald Trump rally Mike Lawler NFL news transgender athletes ban Giants quarterback rookie awards
Bro called it AI?? lol
Seems like everyone’s arguing politics now even with football. If Dart introduced Trump that’s his choice I guess.
I don’t get the AI thing. Like is it actually AI or just people being weird. Also “Go Big Blue” while Trump is there… that’s a wild vibe. Giants definitely trying to be relevant outside the field.
This is why I can’t stand sports celebrities talking. One minute it’s Eye of the Tiger and chants, next minute Trump talk about banning stuff. Carter saying it’s “AI” sounds like he’s mad at the whole stage-managed thing but then what does that even mean. I’m sure they were told what to do anyway, so… blame the PR people? idk.