WASHINGTON (AFP) — President Donald Trump lavished praise on the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, saluting the Super Bowl-winning National Football League champions as “incredible” at a White House reception.

In stark contrast to the acrimony of 2018 — when Trump’s first administration rescinded a White House invitation to the Eagles after several players vowed not to attend — Monday’s ceremony on the White House South Lawn was marked by smiles and laughter.

While there was a notable absentee in the shape of Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts — the Most Valuable Player from Philadelphia’s Super Bowl triumph over Kansas City — several star players, including running back Saquon Barkley, were in attendance.

“It’s an honor to be with this incredible group of champions,” Trump told the team and assembled guests.

“The Eagles have turned out to be an incredible team, an incredible group with a fantastic coach and coaches.”

“Having you at the White House is very, very special, and important, and we appreciate you being here.”

The 2018 Super Bowl-winning Eagles had been in the front line of Trump’s spat with the National Football League over players who refused to stand for renditions of the US national anthem in protest at racial injustice.

However, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, who was in attendance on Monday, said earlier this month the team planned to attend this year’s event while leaving players free to make their own decisions.

“We just felt that this is a time-honored tradition, being invited by the White House,” Lurie said. “To be celebrated at the White House is a good thing.”

Eagles superstar Barkley, who played golf with Trump on Sunday and flew back to Washington with the US leader on Air Force One, had earlier defended his socializing with Trump.

“Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand,” Barkley said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Trump, meanwhile, praised Barkley’s dazzling debut season for Philadelphia following his move from the New York Giants.

“He’s a great young guy and an incredible football player,” Trump said of Barkley, before taking a jab at the Giants for allowing him to leave after the 2023 season.