Donald Trump made history on March 10, 2024, by becoming the first sitting president to attend a regular-season NFL game in nearly 45 years. Trump attended the match between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. His presence elicited a mixed reaction from fans, with loud boos heard when he appeared on the videoboard late in the first half and again during his introduction at halftime.
During the halftime break, Trump participated in an enlistment ceremony on the field, reading an oath for military members. He commented on his late arrival, saying, “I’m a little bit late,” after disembarking from Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews. Following a flyover of the stadium, Trump took an armored car to the venue.
Historic Attendance and Reactions
As Trump arrived, he expressed enthusiasm about the game, stating, “We’re gonna have a good game.” Prior to his entry, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated a touchdown by mimicking the “Trump dance,” which gained popularity among athletes last year. In a lighthearted moment during the third quarter, Trump joined Fox broadcasters Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma for an eight-minute conversation, reflecting on his high school football days at New York Military Academy.
Trump left the game before its conclusion. According to NFL records, only two other sitting presidents have attended regular-season NFL games: Richard Nixon in 1969 and Jimmy Carter in 1978. Trump previously made history as the first president to attend a Super Bowl while in office, watching the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in February 2018.
Future Plans for the Commanders
In a recent television appearance, Trump discussed his involvement in the Commanders’ plans to return to Washington, revealing that he has expressed interest in having the new stadium, part of a projected $4 billion development at the site of the former RFK Stadium, named after him. He remarked, “They’re going to build a beautiful stadium. That’s what I’m involved in. We’re getting all the approvals and everything else.”
During the game, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth engaged with Josh Harris, the owner of the Commanders, who purchased the team for approximately $6 billion in 2023. Hegseth, along with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and Republican Senator Steve Daines of Montana, watched the game alongside Trump.
Trump’s attendance is part of a trend of high-profile appearances at sports events, which also include the Ryder Cup, the Daytona 500, and the US Open. He expressed his passion for sports, stating, “I just love it. It’s a microcosm of life.” His visit to the NFL game underscores his ongoing connection to American sports and culture, reflecting his enduring popularity among certain segments of the public.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
