John Harbaugh Pushes Back On Trump-Hating Reporter Who Questioned White House Visit By Ravens Coach

During the Baltimore Ravens' first training camp media session, coach John Harbaugh responded to a reporter's question about his recent visit to the White House to see President Donald Trump. The reporter framed the visit within the context of Trump's past negative comments about Baltimore and the current divisive political climate, asking Harbaugh about his thoughts as a prominent Baltimore representative. Harbaugh objected to how the question was phrased, calling it leading and partisan, and suggested a more neutral framing would have been to simply ask about the experience of meeting the President.

Harbaugh then answered his own reframed question, describing the visit as "amazing" and "awesome." He stated he roots for the President's success, comparing it to rooting for his quarterback and team. He emphasized the rarity of the opportunity and the significance of experiencing it with family, including his daughter, brother Jim Harbaugh's daughters, and his parents. Harbaugh specifically highlighted how meaningfully President Trump treated his mother during the visit.

He also revealed this was the fourth U.S. president he has met, noting his brother Jim has met seven. He listed his presidential meetings: President Barack Obama twice (including once after the Ravens' Super Bowl XLVII win), President Joe Biden (when Biden was Vice President, during a trip to Iraq), and President Ronald Reagan. Harbaugh met Reagan when he was about 24 or 25 years old, accompanying his brother Jim (then a Heisman Trophy candidate) to the White House. Harbaugh stated he cherishes these moments and keeps a picture of meeting Reagan in his office.