Karoline Leavitt and Shedeur Sanders (Photos via X & Imagn Images)
President Donald Trump is taking credit for Shedeur Sanders getting drafted, at least that’s how White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt feels.

Sanders had to wait until Day 3, but he was eventually selected by the Cleveland Browns, who made him the 144th-overall pick in the fifth round after he shockingly slipped out of the first round on Friday night, despite most analysts tipping him to at least go top 10.

Trump wondered whether all 32 NFL owners were “stupid,” ripping the league for not taking the quarterback in the first round on Thursday night.
Donald Trump (Photo via Twitter)

“What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID? Deion Sanders was a great college football player, and was even greater in the NFL,” the POTUS shared via his Truth Social platform.

Trump would go on to declare that Shedeur has phenomenal genes and is destined for greatness.

“He should be ‘picked’ IMMEDIATELY by a team that wants to WIN,” he added.

Cleveland ultimately picked Shedeur, having already taken Dillon Gabriel before him.

Was Shedeur Sanders Because Donald Trump Demanded It?

Shedeur Sanders (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)
Leavitt, meanwhile, addressed reporters on Monday morning. One of them wanted to know whether Trump felt like he deserved credit, and if going to the Browns is considered to be better than going undrafted.

“All I will say is the president put out a statement, and a few rounds later he was drafted, so I think the facts speak for themselves,” she replied.

Leavitt on Shedeur Sanders: “All I will say is the president put out a statement, and a few rounds later he was drafted, so I think the facts speak for themselves.” pic.twitter.com/rAFrAbex2s

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 28, 2025

“He was drafted over a day later. So if anything, Trump hurt his draft stock,” a user commented.

He was drafted over a day later. So if anything, Trump hurt his draft stock.

— Andrew Javier (@AndrewJav13r) April 28, 2025

“NFL owners allow Trump to influence hiring decisions. Example: Colin Kaepernick,” a second wrote.

NFL owners allow Trump to influence hiring decisions. Example: Colin Kaepernick

— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 28, 2025

Sanders will have an opportunity to prove his worth in a packed quarterback room that also includes Joe Flacco, who led the team to the playoffs two seasons ago.

If nothing else, it’s going to be an intriguing season