On November 10, 2025, President Trump made a surprising appearance at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, becoming the first sitting U.S. President to attend an NFL regular-season game since 1978. He was there to watch the Washington Commanders play against the Detroit Lions.
As President Trump appeared on the big screen and participated in the halftime military enlistment ceremony, the crowd reactions were mixed with both boos and sporadic cheers. Unfazed by the response, the President continued to enjoy the game and even did an interview with the Fox Sports broadcast team during the third quarter. He discussed the game, reminisced about his high school football days, and interacted with the commentators.
Standing between the two broadcasters, President Trump praised injured Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and backup Marcus Mariota. He also mentioned the trade involving Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff of the Lions, noting that it could be beneficial for both teams. When analyzing the game, Trump emphasized the importance of the Commanders continuing their offensive push even when trailing 32-10.
Reporter Kenny Albert asked Trump why he loves sports, to which the President responded, “It’s like a microcosm of life. There are ups, downs, and ugly sides. You have wins, you face challenges. You have to overcome challenges to achieve victory. You never give up, you never back down.”
A photo of Trump playing American football at the New York Military Academy in a team jersey numbered 85 was shown during the broadcast. Trump admitted that he never scored a touchdown and quipped, “I actually loved playing football… at least you have to know I never lie.”
Trump was previously known as a supporter of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, but it seems his allegiance now extends beyond these two teams as he appreciates the performances of players from other teams. On Sunday, he also praised commentator Jonathan Vilma’s former teammate Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints.
Vilma asked Trump about his assessment of the U.S. economy, to which the President mentioned the record-high stock market and decreasing prices, comparing the nation’s economic situation to the Commanders’ game performance, stating it is “in good shape.” Soon after, Commanders’ backup quarterback Marcus Mariota connected with Deebo Samuel for a touchdown, bringing their deficit to 32-16.
Trump went on to discuss past Washington team coaches, mentioning George Allen and Joe Gibbs. In the end, the Detroit Lions defeated the Washington Commanders with a score of 44-22.
Trump is no stranger to sports events, having attended the 59th Super Bowl in February, as well as the first day of the New York Ryder Cup, MLB postseason games, and the U.S. Open Men’s Singles Final.
Prior to his political career, Trump attempted to purchase the Buffalo Bills and had a fluctuating relationship with the NFL. He criticized players kneeling during the national anthem but earlier this year, he joined NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at the White House to announce that the 2027 NFL Draft will be held in Washington D.C.
In July, Trump expressed his support for renaming the Commanders back to their original name, the “Redskins.” However, he also hinted that if the team performed well, he would support keeping the current name.