Donald Trump has a long and complicated history with the sport of football. But his decision to attend Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans has certainly turned heads, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president will be present at the event. While many are buzzing about the political implications, actress and television personality La La Anthony shares his perspective.

Kicking off her Super Bowl weekend, La La was spotted enjoying herself at the 2025 Fanatics Super Bowl Party in New Orleans. In an exclusive interview with Billboard, she shared her excitement: “You know, I think, like I was saying, it’s just New Orleans just brings out so much energy from everybody, so I just think it’s gonna be a great, great weekend.” Her enthusiasm was palpable as she added, “Everybody’s having so much fun, and I’m just like, wow, I just don’t know how it could get better.”

When asked about President Trump’s historic attendance, La La quipped, “I think it’s gonna be a lot of traffic.” She then advised, “Get to the Super Bowl early, that’s my advice.” Her lighthearted response highlights the practical concerns of many attendees amidst the heightened security and expected congestion.

Beyond the game itself, Super Bowl LIX promises a star-studded lineup. Kendrick Lamar will lead the halftime show, with guest appearances by SZA. Additionally, Taylor Swift will attend to supporting her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Former First Lady Jill Biden, a longtime Philadelphia Eagles fan, will also be present, accompanied by her grandson Hunter.

The event is a magnet for celebrities, and this year is no exception. Spotted among the crowd are Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, Winnie Harlow, Ciara, Russell Wilson, and, of course, La La Anthony herself. With such a gathering of stars and the added presence of the president, Super Bowl LIX is shaping up to be a memorable occasion.

Trump’s complicate past with NFL

It’s no secret that Donald Trump has long wanted a piece of the NFL. Back in 2014, he made a $1 billion bid for the Buffalo Bills, but outmatched by other investors. But his NFL ambitions go way deeper than that. Decades earlier, he took a different route—by trying to build a league that could compete with the NFL itself.

In 1983, while still making his name in New York real estate, Trump bought the USFL’s New Jersey Generals. At the time, the USFL was an exciting alternative to the NFL, bringing a fresh energy to spring football. The league made headlines by signing Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker, a move that shook up the football world. But Trump had bigger plans than just owning a team.

Not long after taking control, he pushed for the league to move to a fall schedule, going head-to-head with the NFL. His endgame? According to Football for a Buck author Jeff Pearlman, Trump wanted an NFL franchise in New York and saw the USFL as a shortcut—either by forcing a merger or beating the NFL outright.

Donald Trump eventually led an antitrust lawsuit against the NFL, and while the USFL technically won, the damages awarded were a single dollar. The league collapsed soon after. “He spearheaded the demise of that league,” Pearlman said. Now, decades later, Trump is attending the NFL’s biggest event—not as an owner, but as the first sitting president to do so.