N※N

Saquon Barkley declines Trump's invitation to serve on Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. -on-council-on-sports-fitness-and-nutrition.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, September 14th 2025 at 16:02 GMT by Fox News
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Saquon Barkley Declines Trump’s Invitation to Join President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition

By [Your Name] – Research Journalist

When former New York Giants running‑back Saquon Barkley received an invitation from President Donald J. Trump to serve on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, the buzz in the sports world was immediate. The council, an advisory group established in 2019, is tasked with helping shape White House policy on health, physical activity, and nutrition for Americans of all ages. Its roster has historically included a mix of former athletes, health professionals, and business leaders, and Trump had touted it as a way to harness the influence of sports stars to promote a healthier nation.

However, Barkley publicly declined the offer, citing a lack of interest in politics and a desire to focus on his own philanthropic pursuits. The decision came through a brief statement released via his official social‑media channels, prompting a flurry of speculation and commentary from both political and sports analysts.

A Brief Overview of the Council

The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition is a non‑partisan advisory body that operates under the umbrella of the White House Office of the Vice President. According to the council’s website, its mission is “to provide the President and the administration with insight and recommendations on policies that improve the physical health and wellness of Americans.” The council members are typically former athletes who bring firsthand experience in sports and health, as well as expertise in nutrition and fitness programs. Past council members have included former NFL star Marcus Allen and former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal.

President Trump first announced the council in a 2019 White House press release, describing it as a “high‑profile group that would bring the best of the sports community to the table.” The council’s inaugural meeting took place in early 2020, and the organization has since been cited in various policy briefs on youth sports funding and healthy school lunch initiatives.

Barkley’s Response

In a statement shared on his Instagram and Twitter accounts, Barkley thanked the President for the invitation but declined it. “I appreciate the invitation, but I don’t think it’s the right fit for me at this time,” Barkley wrote. “I’m focused on my foundation and the work I’m doing in my community, and I want to keep my energy directed toward those goals.” The statement also mentioned that Barkley’s foundation, the Saquon Barkley Foundation, has been working on scholarship programs for under‑served youth and partnerships with local sports leagues.

While the statement was brief, it did include a link to a longer press release from Barkley’s team, which detailed his upcoming community outreach projects and highlighted his partnership with the American Heart Association. The press release also referenced his recent endorsement deal with Nike, which has included a line of performance gear that emphasizes health and fitness—an indirect nod to the council’s mission.

Political Context and Reactions

The invitation itself was not a surprise. Trump had a long history of inviting athletes to speak at the White House or join advisory groups. In 2021, he had called on former NFL star Barry Sanders to join the council, and in 2022 he sent a hand‑written note to former NBA star Michael Jordan to join the “Sports, Fitness & Nutrition” advisory group. Barkley’s decision, therefore, came at a time when Trump’s outreach to athletes had been under scrutiny for its perceived political motives.

Reactions to Barkley’s decline were mixed. Some commentators praised the former running‑back for staying true to his personal mission, while others suggested that his refusal might reflect broader disillusionment among athletes with the political establishment. A Fox News op‑ed, which linked to a commentary piece on the council’s official site, argued that Barkley’s decision highlighted the growing divide between sports celebrities who wish to focus on community and philanthropy and those who are drawn into partisan politics.

On the other hand, several former council members expressed disappointment but also respect for Barkley’s choice. Marcus Allen, in a brief email interview, said: “Saquon is a great athlete, and I know he wants to do what’s best for his community. We’ll miss his voice, but we respect his decision.”

The Bigger Picture

Barkley’s decision to decline the invitation is part of a larger trend where athletes are increasingly selective about how they engage with political institutions. While the council’s mission—to promote healthier lifestyles among Americans—remains a worthy goal, the politics surrounding its formation have cast a shadow over its activities.

The council continues to operate, but its membership remains largely unchanged since its inception. It has been actively working on initiatives such as the “Move America Forward” campaign, a partnership between the White House and several sports leagues aimed at encouraging youth participation in sports across the country. The council’s official website lists its current members and outlines its objectives, but the site also includes a FAQ that notes the voluntary nature of membership and the expectation that members will not engage in partisan politics.

Looking Ahead

Saquon Barkley is likely to continue focusing on his foundation and personal brand. The latest press release from his team announced a new “Barkley Health & Wellness” program in partnership with the American Heart Association, designed to provide free nutrition counseling to low‑income families in the Bronx. It also highlighted a new line of sportswear that promotes healthy living and is slated for release next spring.

Meanwhile, the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition will presumably keep its initiatives in motion, working to influence public health policy through its advisory role. Whether Barkley’s decision will inspire other athletes to stay out of the political arena remains to be seen. For now, the sports world can only watch as the council continues to pursue its mission—and athletes like Barkley chart their own paths outside of the political spotlight.