Donald Trump attended Sunday’s Washington Commanders game against the Detroit Lions, becoming the first sitting U.S. president in nearly 50 years to witness a regular-season NFL matchup. Fans at Northwest Stadium greeted him with jeers and scattered cheers.
President Donald Trump became the first sitting POTUS to attend a regular season NFL game since 1978.
President Donald Trump became the first sitting POTUS to attend a regular season NFL game since 1978.
Trump arrived after the game had started, noting, “I’m a little bit late,” following a flyover of Air Force One. Fanscontinued booing while he led members of the military in an on-field oath ceremony.
Trump getting booed at the Commanders game
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The reception reflected local politics, as the Washington D.C. area strongly supports Democrats, and previous policy decisions had affected government workers in the area. Trump’s presence drew attention throughout the first half and halftime announcements.
Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated a touchdown in the first quarter with the “Trump dance,” a move that players adopted last year. St. Brown said, “I heard Trump was going to be here, so just decided to have some fun.”
Quarterback Jared Goff enjoyed the Air Force One flyover, calling it “awesome that he was here.” Trump later joined the Fox broadcast booth for nearly ten minutes, commenting on high school football and some of the game’s plays.
He joked about his high school record, admitting he “never scored a touchdown” while claiming, “At least you realize I never tell a lie.”
Trump is the third sitting president to attend a regular-season NFL game after Richard Nixon in 1969 and Jimmy Carter in 1978. He reportedly wants the Commanders’ new stadium to bear his name, telling Fox, “They’re going to build a beautiful stadium… and you’re going to see some very good things.”
Trump’s appearance at the Commanders’ game made history, drew mixed reactions, and kept fans talking long after the final whistle.
High-Profile Visits Add Distraction Amid Season Pressures for Commanders
Sunday marked another high-profile sports appearance for Donald Trump this year, following the Ryder Cup, Daytona 500, and the US Open men’s final. His visit created a distraction, drawing attention from the field and fans alike.
Commanders’ owner Josh Harris and team executives managed logistics quietly, while the focus on Trump occasionally overshadowed in-game action. Players like St. Brown and Goff had to navigate public attention while maintaining their focus.
Thepolitical dynamic at Northwest Stadium demonstrates the challenge teams face when celebrity or political figures attend games. Player interactions and fan reactions reflected the tension between sport and public spectacle.
Looking ahead, the Commanders must maintain focus as Trump’s stadium naming proposal remains under discussion.
The team faces an extended season with playoff hopes, and any off-field attention could affect its rhythm. Fans may remember the jeers, but the players must translate energy into execution on the field.