The president’s first regular-season football visit since 1978 drew audible jeers from fans during stadium announcements and a military ceremony at Sunday’s Commanders-Lions game.
LANDOVER, Md. – President Donald Trump made his first appearance at a regular-season NFL game since taking office, but the historic moment was met with vocal disapproval from many spectators at Sunday’s Washington Commanders matchup against the Detroit Lions.
When Trump appeared on the stadium videoboard late in the first half, standing alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson in a suite, audible boos echoed through the stands. The negative reception continued when the stadium announcer acknowledged the president’s presence at halftime, and grew louder as Trump administered a military oath to service members during an on-field ceremony.
Trump’s attendance marked the first time a sitting president has attended a regular-season NFL game since Jimmy Carter in 1978. Only one other president, Richard Nixon in 1969, has done so while in office, according to league records.
The visit came amid reports that Trump wants Washington’s proposed new stadium to bear his name. “That would surely be a beautiful name,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt commented when asked about the ESPN report.
The appearance also highlighted the ongoing tension between Trump and the NFL, dating back to his criticism of players kneeling during the national anthem to protest social injustice. Throughout his first term, Trump repeatedly called on team owners to fire players who participated in the protests started by former quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Despite the mixed reception, Commanders president Mark Clouse said the organization was “honored to welcome President Trump to the game as we celebrate those who have served.”
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