Jemele Hill Defends Giants Player Who Criticized Teammate for Introducing Trump

Jemele Hill defended New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter after he criticized teammate Jaxson Dart for introducing President Donald Trump at an event in Suffern, New York, on Friday.

Dart, the Giants' starting quarterback, introduced Trump before a speech. "Big Blue Nation, it's a pleasure to be here. I got to start this off with a 'Go Big Blue,'" Dart said. "What an honor, what a privilege it is to be here, and without further ado, I'm grateful, I'm honored, I'm pleased to introduce the 45th and 47th President of the United States of America, President Donald J. Trump."

Carter reposted video of the introduction and wrote, "Thought this s—t was AI, what we doing man."

Former Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes posted that Carter should not have criticized a teammate publicly. "The locker room is a sacred place because it brings together everyone from all walks of life and beliefs for one common goal," Tynes wrote. "Calling a teammate out publicly for his political views and to get attention is nasty work."

Hill responded that Dart should not have appeared at the event because Trump is divisive. She also said Carter's reaction was understandable because he is Black and Muslim.

Tynes and others said the issue was not Carter's opinion of Trump but his decision to criticize Dart on social media rather than speak to him privately. Carter could have texted or called Dart, they said, instead of creating a distraction for the team.

Hill did not respond when asked what specific statements or actions by Trump she believed targeted Black people or Muslims.

OutKick founder Clay Travis noted that some NFL players have faced little public criticism for arrests or domestic violence cases. Carter has said Giants legend Lawrence Taylor is his idol and requested Taylor's retired number. Taylor endorsed Trump in 2024 and serves on Trump's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.