Donald Trump made history by becoming the first sitting president in nearly 50 years to attend a regular-season NFL game. He was present for the Washington Commanders” 44-22 defeat against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Landover, Maryland.
As Trump appeared on the videoboard late in the first half, he faced loud boos from some fans, particularly when he was introduced at halftime alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson. During the break, Trump participated in an enlistment ceremony, reading an oath for military members.
Upon disembarking from Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Trump told reporters, “I”m a little bit late.” After a flyover of the stadium, he traveled to the venue in an armored vehicle, expressing his anticipation for the game with the statement, “We”re gonna have a good game.”
Before Trump”s arrival, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated a touchdown by mimicking the “Trump dance,” a gesture popularized by athletes in recent times. “I heard Trump was going to be at the game,” St. Brown noted afterward. “I don”t know how many times the president”s going to be at the game, so just decided to have some fun.”
Lions coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the significance of Trump”s presence, stating, “But that”s cool. … You”re talking about the president of the United States. That”s a big deal.” Quarterback Jared Goff also expressed his fascination with seeing Trump”s plane fly low over the stadium, calling it “awesome.”
During the third quarter, Trump joined Fox broadcasters Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma for an eight-minute conversation. Albert initiated the discussion by asking Trump about his high school football days at New York Military Academy. Trump reflected, “I played tight end, but it was not quite football like this. It was a little bit easier. It wasn”t so tough.”
Trump departed before the conclusion of the game. According to league records, he is only the third sitting president to attend an NFL game during the regular season, following Richard Nixon in 1969 and Jimmy Carter in 1978. He previously made history as the first president to attend a Super Bowl while in office, witnessing the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in February.
In the lead-up to the game, it was reported that Trump has expressed interest in having the Commanders” new stadium, which is part of a nearly $4 billion project at the site of the former RFK Stadium, named after him. During his television appearance, he commented on the team”s plans to return to Washington, stating, “They”re going to build a beautiful stadium. That”s what I”m involved in, we”re getting all the approvals and everything else.” He also praised the team”s owner, Josh Harris, saying, “And you have a wonderful owner, Josh and his group. And you”re going to see some very good things.”
Trump”s attendance at the game is part of a series of high-profile appearances at various sporting events, including golf”s Ryder Cup, auto racing”s Daytona 500, and tennis” US Open. “I just love it. It”s a microcosm of life,” he remarked about sports during the broadcast. “It”s sort of like life — the good, the bad and the ugly.”
Prior to the game, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth engaged with Harris and participated in an on-field ceremony with military personnel. Hegseth was among the attendees watching the game alongside Trump, which included White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and Republican Senator Steve Daines of Montana. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
