Trump's College Football Trip Faces Hurricane Threat
President's attendance at Alabama-Georgia game uncertain as Tropical Storm Isaias targets the region.
Donald Trump's planned attendance at the highly anticipated Alabama-Georgia college football game on Saturday is in jeopardy due to the threat of Tropical Storm Isaias. The storm is currently projected to make landfall late Friday night or early Saturday morning, potentially impacting Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where the game is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Trump was not fully briefed on the storm when questioned on Wednesday, expressing concern about potential disruptions. "A hurricane is going in the vicinity of Alabama? That's not good," he stated. He indicated that his attendance would depend on safety considerations, saying, "I don't want to do anything to take the focus of all of the great people that work on those things... So we'll have to see... Certainly, I'm going to let the hurricane determine. I want people to be safe, that's all."
As of Wednesday afternoon, Trump's attendance remained under consideration, subject to weather developments. The University of Alabama is coordinating with athletics and public safety officials to monitor the storm's progression and is advising fans to stay informed through official safety channels.
Tuscaloosa is situated in the storm's projected path, with forecasts indicating it could strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane. Lingering showers and potential flooding are anticipated for Saturday evening in the area. Meteorologists note the possibility of a faster-moving system, which could lead to rain ending before kickoff and diminishing winds. However, current National Hurricane Center forecasts suggest rain is still likely during the game, with sustained winds of 20-30 mph and a potential tornado threat as Isaias passes to the west.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) stated that it is monitoring forecasts and maintaining communication with schools whose games might be affected by the weather.
In 2024, Trump, then a presidential candidate, attended a game in Tuscaloosa where Alabama defeated Georgia. He was accompanied by Kid Rock, then-Senate candidate Tommy Tuberville, Georgia legend Herschel Walker, and musician Hank Williams Jr., among others.