Trump’s attendance is likely to be controversial given his comments about the NFL throughout his political career.

Trump, an outspoken critic of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, has questioned the patriotism of NFL players who kneel during the playing of the US national anthem.

The taking of the knee was a movement designed to draw attention to the issues of racial injustice in the United States.

Sunday’s Super Bowl will be the first in four years that will not display an “End Racism” message in the end zone, a “Choose Love” message will be used instead.

Since taking office, Trump has criticised non-discriminatory hiring practices aimed at improving workplace diversity.

The NFL denies the decision to remove the banners calling to end racism is connected to the current political climate.

“The Super Bowl is often a snapshot in time and the NFL is in a unique position to capture and lift the imagination of the country,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told AFP.

“Choose love is appropriate to use as our country has endured in recent weeks wildfires in southern California, the terrorist attack here in New Orleans, the plane and helicopter crash near our nation’s capital and the plane crash in Philadelphia.”

Goodell, meanwhile, says the NFL remains fully committed to promoting diversity through its inclusive hiring practices.

“I think we’ve proven to ourselves that it does make the NFL better,” Goodell said.

“We’re not in this because it’s a trend to get into it or a trend to get out of it. Our efforts are fundamental in trying to attract the best possible talent into the NFL both on and off the field.”