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President Donald Trump attended a regular-season National Football League (NFL) game Sunday between the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions, making him the first sitting president in nearly 50 years to attend such an event. Trump arrived at Northwest Stadium in a suite with House Speaker Mike Johnson and was introduced by the stadium announcer at halftime. However, portions of the crowd booed when Trump appeared on the videoboard late in the first half and again during his halftime military oath recitation, according to the Associated Press and video footage from the game. Why It Matters Only two other sitting presidents have attended regular-season NFL games while in office: Richard Nixon in 1969 and Jimmy Carter in 1978. Trump previously made history by attending a Super Bowl while serving as president in February, when he watched the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22. Trump has embraced sports during his second administration, using them as a showcase of patriotism heading into the nation’s 250th anniversary. He has attended several Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) matches, the NCAA Men’s Wrestling Championship, and he plans to host a series of sporting events next year to celebrate the nation’s birth. This is brutal. Trump just got LOUDLY booed at the Commanders game. Americans hate him. So humiliating for Trump. pic.twitter.com/swcYL50kpg— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) November 9, 2025 What To Know The visit comes amid new developments regarding Trump’s interest in naming the Commanders’ future stadium after himself. According to ESPN, Trump reportedly wants the new $3.7 billion stadium—set to be constructed on the site of the former Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and completed in 2030—to bear his name. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the interest in an emailed statement to Newsweek on Saturday, stating, “That would surely be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible.” Trump has a history with the Commanders organization regarding naming. He previously threatened to block stadium construction unless the team reverted to its former name, the Washington Redskins, threatening to “put a restriction on them.” Some groups have regarded the Redskins name as offensive to Native Americans, leading to the team’s rebranding as the Commanders in 2022. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also attended the game, chatting with Commanders principal owner Josh Harris and participating in an on-field ceremony with members of the military. During his remarks before arriving at the stadium, Trump referenced the government shutdown, saying “The Democrats have to open it up.” Senate Democrats have signaled openness to voting to end the shutdown if they receive certain concessions from the White House, according to a report from Axios. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated the chamber plans to hold an initial vote on a working proposal that would extend government funding into late January, suggesting negotiations between the White House and Congress remain active on potential resolution pathways. Sunday’s game also featured several notable elements: Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated a touchdown catch using the “Trump dance,” a gesture several athletes began performing last year. LANDOVER, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 09: United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth claps while U.S. President Donald Trump holds up his fist during a game between the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) What People Are Saying NY Post National Politics Editor Marisa Shultz on X: “Trump and Hegseth presided over an enlistment event for new military members on the field during Commanders-Lions game. Crowd was quite loud with some in this section trying to drown him out.” Democratic political commentator Harry Sisson on X: “This is brutal. Trump just got LOUDLY booed at the Commanders game. Americans hate him. So humiliating for Trump.” Tech influencer Brian Krassenstein on X: “Trump was just viciously BOOED at the Washington Commanders Detroit Lions game. I’ve never heard a president booed this loudly in my life. Holy cow!” Podcast host Brian Tyler Cohen on X: “Trump just got massively booed and flipped off by the crowd at the Commanders game.” Commanders Team President Mark Clouse in a statement posted on social media: “We are honored to welcome President Trump to the game as we celebrate those who have served and continue to serve our country. The entire Commanders organization is proud to participate in the NFL’s league-Salute to Service initiative, recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, ac...
