Former President Donald Trump was met with a chorus of boos from sections of the crowd during his appearance at the Washington Commanders' NFL game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The visit, part of a series of high-profile sporting event appearances by Trump, was also notable for his extended participation in the Fox broadcast and amid reports of his interest in having the team's new stadium bear his name.
A Mixed Reception in Washington
When Trump was shown on the stadium's videoboard late in the first half, standing in a suite alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson, a wave of jeers erupted from large sections of the stands, mixed with scattered cheers. The reaction was repeated when the stadium announcer acknowledged his presence at halftime. The Washington DC area is known for its strong Democrat support, and many local government workers have been affected by Trump's past budget cuts.
The booing continued audibly as Trump read an oath for a military recital ceremony held on the field during the break in the game.
From Air Force One to the Broadcast Booth
Arriving slightly later than expected, Trump told reporters after landing at Joint Base One, "I'm a little bit late." He then proceeded to the game, where his involvement went beyond spectating.
In a significant moment during the broadcast, Fox gave the president nearly ten minutes of airtime in the third quarter. Joining the commentators in the booth, Trump discussed his high school football career and even called some of the live game action. When asked about the state of the nation, he claimed, somewhat dubiously, that prices were going down for Americans.
Stadium Naming Ambitions and Sporting Appearances
The game attendance itself placed Trump in the history books. He is just the third sitting president to attend a regular-season NFL game, a feat last accomplished by Jimmy Carter in 1978. He was also the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl earlier this year.
This sporting outing comes amid a revealing report from ESPN. According to the sports network, an intermediary for the White House has informed the Commanders' ownership group that Trump desires the club's new stadium—a key part of a nearly $4 billion project at the former RFK Stadium site—to be named after him. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt commented, "That would surely be a beautiful name."
This event marks the latest in a string of Trump's appearances at major sports events, which have recently included the Ryder Cup, the Daytona 500, and the US Open tennis tournament.
