NFL 'Salute to Service' events to be missing the military due to Donald Trump's standoff with Democrats as the longest government shutdown in American history continues seemingly with no end in sight
11:43 ET, 07 Nov 2025Updated 11:44 ET, 07 Nov 2025
Members of the armed services display flags during the performance of the National Anthem before Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana
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The government shutdown is affecting all parts of American life, including military participation at NFL events(Image: Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
The American military will not be present for the NFL's 'Salute to Service' throughout the month due to the ongoing government shutdown.
As it stands, the current shutdown is the longest in American history, spanning 37 full days, seemingly with no end in sight, as Donald Trump and Republicans stand steadfast opposite Democrats on various key issues. Notably, the two longest government shutdowns have occurred during Trump's two terms in office.
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Now, NFL fans will have a first-hand look at how the longest government shutdown will affect them throughout November. This comes after FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed a new award set to be presented in December as one to recognize those who champion ‘unity’ and “hope for future generations.”
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As a result of the ongoing shutdown, service members and other Department of Defense personnel are "prohibited from participating in official outreach activities," which includes showcases during NFL games, according to The Washington Post. The Pentagon also added more context to the outlet.
“Service members are permitted to wear military uniforms at Veterans Day events, in a personal capacity, as long as it follows their service specific guidelines, and no official endorsement or involvement is implied by the Department," the Pentagon's statement to The Washington Post read.
The Post also noted that “jet and jump demonstration teams, bands and ceremonial unit appearances, port visits, service weeks and nonprofit and corporate leader outreach" that would have been paid from appropriated funds have been barred from continuing.
US President Donald Trump speaks during an event about weight-loss drugs in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on November 6, 2025. President Trump announced deals Thursday with pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to lower the prices of some popular weight-loss drugs. Both companies "have agreed to offer their most popular GLP-1 weight-loss drug," Trump said, "at drastic discounts."
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The longest government shutdown in American history has occurred under Donald Trump's watch(Image: Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)
In response, the NFL sent a statement to the outlet, clarifying that the 'Salute to Service' is not just limited to November, despite previous assumptions.
“While Salute to Service comes to life on-field each November — as it will again this year, starting this weekend — our long-standing efforts to support the military community continue throughout the year,” Annaa Isaacson, the NFL's senior vice president of social responsibility, said in a statement.
Many government officials have spoken out about the recent government shutdown and its impact on the American people, with federal programs experiencing cuts, flight delays and federal workers left without paychecks. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., had a message for her Republican counterparts.
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“Why is this happening? We’re in a shutdown because our colleagues are unwilling to come to the table to talk about one simple thing: Health care premiums. Stop this mess, come to the table, negotiate it,” the 65-year-old said.
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries added, per Politico: "Senate Democrats have shown great leadership — led by Chuck Schumer — that we will not support a partisan spending bill that continues to gut the health care of the American people."
One of the fears that the Democratic Party currently has is that if they agree to negotiate and the shutdown is ended, Trump would immediately renege on what was agreed upon in said negotiations.
The question remains if Trump will keep his word, particularly after the administration restricted SNAP food aid, despite court orders to ensure funds are available to prevent hunger, at the conclusion of the shutdown.