In a significant moment for sports and politics, Donald Trump attended a regular-season NFL game on October 15, 2023, making him the first sitting president to do so in nearly 50 years. Trump was present at the match between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions held at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Trump’s Historic Attendance and Ceremony
During the game, Trump received a mixed reception from the crowd. He was met with loud boos when shown on the videoboard and again during his halftime introduction. In a ceremonial moment, he led an oath for military members as part of an on-field enlistment ceremony. Earlier, Trump acknowledged his late arrival, stating, “I’m a little bit late,” as he disembarked from Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews after a flyover of the stadium.
Before Trump’s arrival, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated a touchdown by mimicking the “Trump dance,” a gesture that has gained popularity among athletes in recent years. In the third quarter, Trump engaged in an eight-minute conversation with Fox broadcasters Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma, reminiscing about his high school football days at New York Military Academy.
Presidential Attendance at NFL Games
Historically, only two other presidents have attended NFL games during their time in office: Richard Nixon in 1969 and Jimmy Carter in 1978. Trump, who previously attended a Super Bowl while in office, watching the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2024, is now part of a rare club of presidents engaging with America’s most popular sport.
According to reports, Trump has expressed a desire for the Commanders’ new stadium, part of a nearly $4 billion redevelopment project at the site of the former RFK Stadium, to bear his name. He commented on the team’s plans to return to Washington, stating, “They’re going to build a beautiful stadium. That’s what I’m involved in, we’re getting all the approvals and everything else.” He praised the team’s owner, Josh Harris, highlighting the positive developments on the horizon.
Trump’s presence at the game adds to a series of high-profile appearances at sporting events, including golf’s Ryder Cup, auto racing’s Daytona 500, and the US Open in tennis. “I just love it. It’s a microcosm of life,” he remarked during the broadcast, reflecting on the nature of sports.
Prior to the game, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was seen chatting with Harris and participated in a ceremony honoring military members on the field. Hegseth joined Trump, along with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and Republican Senator Steve Daines of Montana, further emphasizing the administration’s engagement with the event.
This visit marks a notable chapter in the intersection of sports and politics, showcasing Trump’s ongoing connection to American culture and his interest in the NFL.
