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Podcaster criticizes Pat McAfee's appearance with Donald Trump at event

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 1:30 PM

Last updated Aug 16, 2026

Podcaster criticizes Pat McAfee's appearance with Donald Trump at event

Summary

Pat McAfee faced backlash after appearing with President Donald Trump at the recent Patriot Games in Geneva, Ohio. The event prompted comparisons to the 'Hunger Games,' as fellow podcaster Van Lathan criticized McAfee in a rant for what he perceives as political alignment with Trump's administration. Lathan accused McAfee of failing to own his political stance, while attorney Rachel Lindsay questioned the participant selection and expressed frustration with McAfee's perceived lack of transparency. Despite the criticism, McAfee asserted on his ESPN show that his attendance was about supporting young athletes rather than politics.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Pat McAfee appeared with Donald Trump at the Patriot Games event.
•Critics, including Van Lathan, argued McAfee's presence lent credibility to the event.
•Lathan and Rachel Lindsay expressed strong objections to McAfee's political stance.
•McAfee claims his involvement was to support young athletes.
•The event drew comparisons to propaganda and criticism about participant selection.

Latest Updates

1:30 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Pat McAfee Wants To Be MAGA So Bad’ — Podcaster Goes on Explosive NSFW Rant About ESPN Star’s Appearance With President Donald Trump

What they're saying

"
Pat McAfee has been catching heat since his controversial appearance alongside President Donald Trump at the Patriot Games, which drew comparisons to the dystopian “Hunger Games. ” A fellow podcaster has now expressed his outrage at the veteran sports media voice for attending the Trump-backed event in Geneva, Ohio.
— Yahoo Sports

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