Donald Trump made history this weekend by becoming the first sitting U.S. president in nearly 50 years to attend a regular-season NFL game. But instead of a warm welcome, his appearance at the Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions matchup drew loud and sustained boos from sections of the crowd.
Trump arrived at the game on November 9, 2025, at Landover, Maryland’s Northwest Stadium and settled into a suite alongside top Republican figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson. As he appeared on the video board late in the first half, jeers erupted from fans. The reaction intensified at halftime when he was formally introduced by the stadium announcer.
What Sparked the Reaction to Donald Trump
Nov 9, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; President Donald Trump gestures to fans while standing next to U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (L) after swearing in a new group of U.S. military recruits during halftime of the game between the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders as part of the NFL Salute to Service initiative at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Nov 9, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; President Donald Trump gestures to fans while standing next to U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (L) after swearing in a new group of U.S. military recruits during halftime of the game between the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders as part of the NFL Salute to Service initiative at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Here is a look at Trump being shown on the megatron:
🚨 BREAKING: Trump loudly booed at the Washington Commanders game.
The same crowd he once called “real Americans” just reminded him what they really think, forty days into his shutdown and still no paychecks for workers. pic.twitter.com/mb1Rl7eHdj
— Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) November 9, 2025
The mood shifted visibly when Trump stepped onto the field for a military enlistment ceremony and later joined broadcasters for a segment during the game.
“You have the triumph and you have the problems, and you have to get through the problems to hit the triumphs,” Trump told Fox commentators during his on-air chat.
People.com+1
His visit coincided with the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative, and while the event was meant to honor veterans, the crowd’s reaction sent a clear message of disapproval.
The Associated Press noted:
“There were loud boos from some spectators … when Trump was shown on the videoboard … and again when the president was introduced by the stadium announcer at halftime.”
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Why It Matters
Historic attendance: Only two other sitting presidents—Richard Nixon in 1969 and Jimmy Carter in 1978—had attended regular-season NFL games while in office. Trump’s presence marked a noteworthy moment for both the sport and political culture.
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Cultural intersection: The jarring reaction reveals how modern stadiums have evolved into venues for broader social and political expression. Sports moments are no longer insulated from national sentiment.
Fan voice amplified: Social-media commentary described the scene as “brutal” and “humiliating,” flagging how powerful athlete and fan reactions can be when public-figure appearances clash with crowd expectations.
The Times of India+1
Trump’s Interaction With the Game
President Donald Trump waves at football fans from the team owner’s suite during the first half between the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. on Sunday, November 9, 2025. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
President Donald Trump waves at football fans from the team owner’s suite during the first half between the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. on Sunday, November 9, 2025. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
From the broadcast booth, Trump reflected on his high-school football days:
“I played tight end … but it was not quite football like this. It was a little bit easier.”
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He also referenced his interest in the Commanders’ future facilities. According to ESPN, he advocated for the team’s proposed stadium to bear his name.
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