President Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president in nearly 50 years to attend a regular-season NFL game, drawing jeers from fans while participating in on-field military events. The visit, part of Trump’s series of high-profile sports appearances, took place during the Washington Commanders’ matchup with the Detroit Lions.
Trump Attends Historic NFL Game
Trump arrived in Landover, Maryland, Sunday to watch the Washington Commanders face the Detroit Lions. He joined House Speaker Mike Johnson in a stadium suite, and his appearance on the videoboard prompted loud boos from fans late in the first half. The jeering continued when the stadium announcer introduced him at halftime.
During the halftime ceremony, Trump read an oath for enlistees in an on-field military recruitment event. The crowd reaction remained mixed as he participated.
Pre-Game Remarks and Flyover
Before the game, Trump spoke briefly to reporters after landing at Joint Base Andrews. “We’re gonna have a good game. Things are going along very well. The country’s doing well. The Democrats have to open it up,” he said, referencing the ongoing government shutdown.
A pre-game flyover of Northwest Stadium marked his arrival. Trump then traveled in an armored car to the arena.
On-Field Interaction and Sports Chat
In the third quarter, Trump joined Fox broadcasters Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma for a lighthearted eight-minute conversation. When asked about his high school football experience at the New York Military Academy, Trump said, “I played tight end, but it was not quite football like this. It was a little bit easier. It wasn’t so tough.”
During the first quarter, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown mimicked the “Trump dance,” which several athletes began performing last year, after scoring a touchdown. Trump left the game before its conclusion.
Presidential NFL Attendance
Only two other sitting presidents have attended an NFL regular-season game: Richard Nixon in 1969 and Jimmy Carter in 1978. Trump had previously attended a Super Bowl while in office, watching the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in February.
According to ESPN, Trump has expressed interest in naming the Commanders’ new stadium, part of a nearly $4 billion redevelopment at the former RFK Stadium site, after himself. On Sunday, he praised team owner Josh Harris and the group purchasing the franchise.
“They’re going to build a beautiful stadium. That’s what I’m involved in, we’re getting all the approvals and everything else,” Trump said.
High-Profile Sports Appearances
Trump’s attendance at the Commanders game follows other prominent sporting events, including the Ryder Cup, the Daytona 500, and the U.S. Open. “I just love it. It’s a microcosm of life,” he told Fox during Sunday’s broadcast. “It’s sort of like life — the good, the bad and the ugly.”
Military and Political Presence
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth participated in pre-game and on-field ceremonies alongside Trump. Also present were White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and Republican Senator Steve Daines of Montana.
Past Friction with the NFL
Trump’s first term included tension with the NFL over players kneeling during the national anthem to protest social and racial injustice, a movement started in 2016 by then-49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Trump publicly insisted that players stand for the anthem and urged team owners to consider firing those who protested.
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