Trump Looking Forward to Meeting Frederick Douglass When Patriots Visit White House

Washington, DC -- President Donald Trump said that he looks forward to meeting the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots when the team visits the White House in April.

"I'm especially excited about the opportunity to meet with the amazing Frederick Douglass," Trump said.

"Freddie has been doing a fantastic job with the Patriots, and he's getting recognized more and more.  It's such a joy to watch him with the football, such a joy.  And boy can he run.  Just incredible."

In an apparent effort to boost attendance, Trump said that the first 25 Patriots to come to the event will receive a football jersey bearing the name "TRUMP" and the number 45.  Trump will personally autograph each of the jerseys, he said.

At press time, at least six Patriots had said they intend to boycott the White House visit.

In years past, the Super Bowl-winning team has presented the current chief executive with a jersey bearing his name and number in the succession of U.S. presidents.

"This is a top quality, limited-edition jersey, and it's available on a first-come, first-serve basis only," Trump said.  

Trump's daughter Ivanka plans to also market official replicas of the jersey as part of her clothing line, he said.

"And if you go to WhiteHouse.gov, right now, we are also offering official NFL footballs, autographed by me, at a fantastic price.  Also travel mugs."

Trump urged all football fans to visit the web site.  "These items will be going like hotcakes, believe me."

When asked if proceeds of the sales would benefit a specific charity organization, Trump said, "We're definitely looking into that, absolutely.  So far we haven't found one that's truly legitimate, however."

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