Former US President Donald Trump was met with a chorus of boos from sections of the crowd during his appearance at the Washington Commanders versus Detroit Lions NFL game on Sunday. The visit marked a significant moment, as Trump became the first sitting president in nearly 50 years to attend a regular-season NFL game.
A Mixed Reception in the Stands
When Trump appeared on the stadium's videoboard late in the first half, standing alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson, a wave of jeers erupted from large parts of the audience, interspersed with some cheers. The reaction was repeated when the stadium announcer acknowledged his presence at halftime. The response continued as Trump read an oath for a military ceremony during the break, a moment typically reserved for honouring service members.
The reaction is perhaps unsurprising given the political landscape. The Washington DC area is a known Democratic stronghold, and many local government workers have been affected by Trump's policies.
From the Tarmac to the Broadcast Booth
Trump's arrival was slightly delayed, with the president telling reporters upon landing at Joint Base One, "I'm a little bit late." He then proceeded to the stadium in his armoured vehicle.
The most notable part of his visit came during the third quarter when he joined the Fox broadcast booth. Trump was given nearly ten minutes of airtime, during which he discussed his high school football career and even called some of the live game action. When asked about the state of the nation, he claimed that prices were going down for Americans.
A Pattern of High-Profile Appearances
This event is the latest in a series of sporting appearances for Trump this year, which have included the Ryder Cup, the Daytona 500, and the US Open. According to an ESPN report, an intermediary for the White House has even suggested that Trump would like the Commanders' new, nearly $4 billion stadium project to bear his name.
Trump is only the third sitting president to attend a regular-season NFL game, following Richard Nixon in 1969 and Jimmy Carter in 1978. He also made history earlier this year by being the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl.
Despite the mixed fan reaction, the Commanders organisation issued a statement saying they were "honoured to welcome President Trump to the game as we celebrate those who have served." Before the game, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was also in attendance, participating in on-field ceremonies with military members.
