Donald Trump attended a regular-season NFL game on October 1, 2023, becoming the first sitting president to do so in nearly 50 years. The event at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, featured the Washington Commanders facing off against the Detroit Lions. Trump’s appearance drew a mixed reaction from the crowd, with noticeable boos when he was shown on the stadium’s videoboard, particularly during a halftime introduction.
Trump arrived at the stadium following a flyover of Northwest Stadium, landing at Joint Base Andrews before making his way to the game. “I’m a little bit late,” he remarked to reporters as he exited Air Force One. Upon arrival, he expressed optimism, stating, “We’re gonna have a good game.”
Historical Context and Audience Reaction
Before Trump’s arrival, Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated a touchdown by mimicking the “Trump dance,” a reference popularized by athletes last year. During the third quarter, Trump joined Fox Sports broadcasters Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma for an eight-minute lighthearted discussion. Reflecting on his own sports experience, Trump said, “I played tight end, but it was not quite football like this. It was a little bit easier. It wasn’t so tough.”
Trump’s attendance marks a rare occurrence; only two other sitting presidents, Richard Nixon in 1969 and Jimmy Carter in 1978, attended NFL games during their terms. Notably, Trump was the first president to attend a Super Bowl while in office, watching the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2018.
Future Plans and Continued Engagement in Sports
In a recent television appearance, Trump expressed interest in the Commanders’ plans to build a new stadium in Washington, D.C. He indicated that he would like the venue, part of a nearly $4 billion project on the site of the former RFK Stadium, to bear his name. “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 stated.
Trump’s visit to the game fits into a pattern of high-profile appearances at various sporting events, including golf’s Ryder Cup, auto racing’s Daytona 500, and tennis’ US Open. Reflecting on the nature of sports, he commented, “I just love it. It’s a microcosm of life. It’s sort of like life — the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
Before the game, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth engaged in discussions with Josh Harris, the owner of the Commanders, who purchased the team for approximately $6 billion in 2023. Hegseth, along with other officials including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, watched the game alongside Trump.
This historic NFL game underscored the dynamic intersection of sports and politics, showcasing Trump’s continued engagement with the public in settings beyond traditional political arenas. The mixed reactions from fans highlight the polarized sentiments surrounding his presidency and public persona.
