Speaking at Sundayβs Washington Commanders game, President Donald Trump faced fans who were not impressed. As soon as he appeared on the videoboard late in the first half, some spectators booed. The jeering continued when the stadium announcer introduced him at halftime.
Trump stood in a suite with House Speaker Mike Johnson and read an oath for military members during an on-field enlistment ceremony. The crowdβs reaction made it clear they were there for football, not politics.
This is brutal. Trump just got LOUDLY booed at the Commanders game. Americans hate him. So humiliating for Trump. pic.twitter.com/swcYL50kpg
β Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) November 9, 2025
βIβm a little bit late,β Trump told reporters after landing at Joint Base Andrews. He then rode in the presidential limo to the stadium.
βWeβre gonna have a good game. Things are going along very well. The countryβs doing well. The Democrats have to open it up,β he said, referencing the government shutdown.
Before his arrival, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated a touchdown with the βTrump dance,β a gesture athletes began last year, showing the stadium already had its entertainment.
During the third quarter, Trump spoke on the field with Fox broadcasters Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma. Albert asked about his high school football days at New York Military Academy.
βI played tight end, but it was not quite football like this. It was a little bit easier. It wasnβt so tough,β Trump said.
Trump left before the game ended, which saw the Lions beat the Commanders 44-22. He became the first sitting president to attend a regular-season NFL game since Jimmy Carter in 1978. He had previously attended a Super Bowl during his first term.
Trump also discussed the teamβs future stadium plans. βTheyβre going to build a beautiful stadium. Thatβs what Iβm involved in, weβre getting all the approvals and everything else,β he said. βAnd you have a wonderful owner, Josh, and his group. And youβre going to see some very good things.β
Watching with Trump were Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and Republican Senator Steve Daines of Montana. For them, the event combined ceremony, politics, and sports.
Trumpβs relationship with the NFL has long been tense. During his first term, he criticized players kneeling during the national anthem and pushed team owners to take action.
Featured image via X screengrab
