New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, an influential figure in the NFL, has recently shared candid thoughts about his relationship with former US President Donald Trump. Speaking on The Breakfast Club, hosted by Charlamagne tha God, Kraft compared Trump’s presidency to “having a drunk fraternity brother” lead the country. Given Kraft’s longstanding friendship with Trump, his remarks have generated widespread discussion.
A decades-long friendship
Kraft, known for his political neutrality, explained that his relationship with Trump dates back to the early 1990s. Despite being a Democrat, Kraft became socially close to Trump while spending time in Florida. Their bond strengthened after Kraft’s wife, Myra, passed away in 2011. Trump was one of the few people who reached out to offer condolences during that difficult time, solidifying a personal connection between the two men.
“And then when my wife of blessed memory died 13 years ago, he was one of four or five people who reached out to me and was really, really nice,” he continued.
Kraft acknowledged that he once viewed Trump as a potential positive force for the U.S. economy. He even made a financial contribution to Trump’s inauguration in 2017. “The only donation I ever gave him was when he got elected, and I made a strong donation to his inauguration,” Kraft said.
Comparing Trump’s presidency to a “drunk fraternity brother”
However, Kraft’s initial optimism for Trump gave way to disillusionment as he witnessed the erratic nature of Trump’s presidency. Summing up his view on Trump’s leadership, he remarked, “I couldn’t believe it, it was like having someone who was a drunk fraternity brother become president of the United States.” This blunt assessment reflects Kraft’s disenchantment with Trump’s time in office between 2017 and 2021, marked by controversy, divisiveness, and impulsive decisions.
January 6 insurrection
The Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, became a major inflection point in Kraft’s relationship with Trump. Kraft was deeply disturbed by the violent attack on the Capitol, where Trump supporters attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The insurrection led to the deaths of five people and caused significant damage to the U.S. Capitol. Reflecting on the event, Kraft said, “I was very upset by what happened on January 6. And I haven’t talked to him since then.”
The NFL owner’s disappointment with Trump’s handling of the situation reflects a sense of betrayal felt by many, including former allies, in the aftermath of the attack. Kraft’s decision to sever ties with Trump following January 6 mirrors actions taken by several other prominent figures and organizations that had previously supported the former president.
Kraft’s anti-racism initiative
Kraft’s appearance on The Breakfast Club was part of his efforts to promote his anti-racism initiative, Timeout Against Hate. In the interview, Kraft touched on the state of American society and drew unsettling parallels between recent events in the U.S. and Nazi Germany.
“What’s happened in the world today is people aren’t caring about other people,” Kraft said.
“I saw signs in 2019 [sic] of what was going on in Nazi Germany in the 30s, and I don’t want America to be what Germany was in the 40s,” Kraft noted, highlighting the dangers of division and hate.
Although Kraft has kept his political involvement minimal, he stressed the importance of unity and collective care for others in combating hate.
“Once you take a side politically, then you alienate people, and I want everyone in.”
His organization seeks to bridge racial divides and combat the rise of hate speech and bigotry in America.
