Donald Trump became the first sitting United States president in nearly five decades to attend a regular-season NFL game when he made a surprise appearance at the Detroit Lions’ 44-22 victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday and was met with a chorus of boos from large sections of the crowd.
At the Commanders’ Northwest Stadium, boos mixed with scattered cheers erupted when Trump was shown on the big screens late in the first half, and again when the stadium announcer formally introduced him at halftime.
The Washington D.C. area, known for its strong Democratic leanings, has seen many residents affected by Trump’s government cutbacks. Sunday’s reaction wasn’t new for him, during the 2019 World Series at the Washington Nationals’ home ground, Trump was greeted with chants of “lock him up.”
The jeering continued as Trump led an on-field ceremony, reading an oath for members of the military to recite during a break in play.
The president arrived after kickoff, telling reporters as he stepped off Air Force One, “I’m a little bit late.” His plane had earlier performed a flyover of Northwest Stadium before landing.
“We’re gonna have a good game. Things are going along very well. The country’s doing well. The Democrats have to open it up,” he added, referring to the ongoing government shutdown.
In the first quarter, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated a touchdown by performing the viral “Trump dance,” a move popularized by athletes last year. “I heard Trump was going to be [here],” St. Brown said. “I don’t know how many times the president’s going to be at the game, so just decided to have some fun.”
Lions quarterback Jared Goff also weighed in, saying he enjoyed the Air Force One spectacle. “Awesome that he was here,” Goff said.
Fox Sports later gave Trump nearly 10 minutes of airtime as he joined the commentary booth in the third quarter.
He reminisced about his high school football days and commented on live action, claiming, somewhat optimistically, that “prices are going down for Americans.” When asked about his playing career, he quipped, “At least you realize I never tell a lie,” after admitting he had never scored a touchdown.
According to the NFL, Trump is only the third sitting president to attend a regular-season game, following Richard Nixon in 1969 and Jimmy Carter in 1978.
A day earlier, ESPN reported that the White House had informed the Commanders’ ownership group that Trump wanted their new stadium named after him.
“They’re going to build a beautiful stadium. That’s what I’m involved in, we’re getting all the approvals and everything else,” Trump said during his Fox segment. “And you have a wonderful owner, Josh [Harris] and his group. And you’re going to see some very good things.”
Sunday’s visit marked the latest in a string of high-profile sports appearances by Trump, following his presence at the Ryder Cup, the Daytona 500, and the men’s final at the U.S. Open.
“We are honored to welcome President Trump to the game as we celebrate those who have served and continue to serve our country,” Commanders president Mark Clouse said. “The entire Commanders organization is proud to participate in the NFL’s league-wide Salute to Service initiative, recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, active-duty service members, and their families this Sunday.”
Trump, however, appeared less than thrilled with the Commanders’ showing, leaving the stadium early as the Lions sealed a dominant win.
