LANDOVER, Md. — Former President Donald Trump attended a regular-season NFL game on Sunday, becoming the first sitting president in nearly 50 years to do so. He watched the Washington Commanders lose 44-22 to the Detroit Lions, sharing a suite with House Speaker Mike Johnson and participating in an on-field military enlistment ceremony.
Trump faced jeers from the crowd both when he appeared on the videoboard and during his halftime introduction. Earlier in the game, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated a touchdown by mimicking Trump’s “Trump dance,” a playful nod to the president’s presence. Despite the boos, some players and coaches, including quarterback Jared Goff and Lions coach Dan Campbell, viewed his appearance as a significant moment.
During the third quarter, Trump joined Fox broadcasters Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma for a brief discussion about his high school football experience. He left before the game ended but spoke on-air about the Commanders’ plans for a new stadium, hinting at his involvement and praising the team’s ownership.
Sunday’s visit adds to Trump’s series of high-profile appearances at sporting events, including the Ryder Cup, Daytona 500, and the U.S. Open. His presence at the NFL game follows previous tensions with the league over players kneeling during the national anthem, a stance he vocalized during his presidency.