Donald Trump Makes Historic NFL Appearance as First Sitting President Since 1978 to Attend Regular-Season Game

President Donald Trump departed prior to the conclusion of Sunday's game.

In a historic moment for American sports and politics, Donald Trump became the first sitting president since 1978 to attend a regular-season NFL game, making an appearance at the Washington Commanders' match against the Detroit Lions, which ended in a 44-22 defeat for the home team.

The presidential visit was met with a notably mixed reception from spectators. When Trump appeared on the stadium's videoboard late in the first half, standing alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson in a private suite, audible boos emanated from sections of the crowd. This negative reaction intensified when the stadium announcer formally introduced the president during halftime.

The unfavorable response continued throughout Trump's administration of an oath for military members participating in an on-field enlistment ceremony during the halftime break.

Trump arrived slightly behind schedule, informing reporters after disembarking Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews that he was "a little bit late." His presidential aircraft had conducted a flyover of Northwest Stadium during the ongoing game before he traveled to the arena in his armored vehicle.

"We're gonna have a good game. Things are going along very well. The country's doing well. The Democrats have to open it up," the president remarked, alluding to the current government shutdown situation.

In an interesting moment during the first quarter, before Trump's arrival, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated scoring a touchdown by mimicking the "Trump dance" that has become popular among some athletes. St. Brown later explained, "I heard Trump was going to be at the game. I don't know how many times the president's going to be at the game, so just decided to have some fun."

Lions coach Dan Campbell acknowledged being too focused on the game to notice Trump's presence but called it "a big deal" to have the president of the United States in attendance. Quarterback Jared Goff expressed fascination with seeing the presidential aircraft flying low over the stadium, adding it was "Awesome that he was here."

During the third quarter, Trump joined Fox broadcasters Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma for an approximately eight-minute casual conversation. When asked about his high school football experience at New York Military Academy, Trump responded, "I played tight end, but it was not quite football like this. It was a little bit easier. It wasn't so tough."

According to NFL records, only two previous sitting presidents had attended regular-season NFL games: Richard Nixon in 1969 and Jimmy Carter in 1978. Earlier this year, Trump became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl when he watched the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs.

ESPN reported the day before that an intermediary for the White House had informed the Commanders' ownership group that Trump desires to have the team's planned new stadium bear his name. This facility is part of a nearly $4 billion development project planned for the former RFK Stadium site in Washington, D.C.

During his television appearance, Trump discussed the team's planned return to Washington: "They're going to build a beautiful stadium. That's what I'm involved in, we're getting all the approvals and everything else. And you have a wonderful owner, Josh (Harris) and his group. And you're going to see some very good things."

This NFL appearance continues Trump's pattern of attending high-profile sporting events, including the Ryder Cup, Daytona 500, and U.S. Open tennis championship. "I just love it. It's a microcosm of life," Trump said about sports during the broadcast. "It's sort of like life -- the good, the bad and the ugly."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was observed conversing with Commanders owner Josh Harris before the game and participated in a military ceremony on the field. Hegseth joined Trump in his suite, along with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and Republican Senator Steve Daines from Montana.

Trump's relationship with the NFL has been complicated since his first presidential term, when he strongly objected to players kneeling during the national anthem to protest social and racial injustice—a movement initiated by former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2016. Through social media and public statements, Trump had previously demanded that players stand for the anthem and urged team owners to terminate those who participated in such protests.