Donald Trump became the first sitting US president in nearly 50 years to attend a regular-season NFL game on Sunday, watching the Detroit Lions defeat the Washington Commanders 44-22. The president was met with boos from large sections of fans at Northwest Stadium when shown on screens late in the first half and again when introduced at halftime, reflecting the strong Democratic lean of the Washington DC area and local discontent over his government cuts.
Trump arrived after the game had started, telling reporters he was 'a little bit late' after Air Force One performed a flyover. He commented on the government shutdown, saying 'the Democrats have to open it up.' During the first quarter, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St Brown celebrated a touchdown with the 'Trump dance,' explaining he wanted to have fun given the president's presence.
Fox gave Trump nearly 10 minutes of airtime in the broadcast booth, where he discussed his high school football career and called some third-quarter action. He claimed prices were going down for Americans and admitted he had not scored any touchdowns in high school, adding 'at least you realize I never tell a lie.'
Trump is only the third sitting president to attend a regular-season NFL game, after Richard Nixon in 1969 and Jimmy Carter in 1978. According to an ESPN report, the White House has indicated Trump wants the Commanders' new stadium to bear his name. Trump mentioned the stadium plans during his Fox appearance, praising owner Josh Harris.
The jeering continued during an on-field military oath ceremony. Trump left the game early, presumably unimpressed with the Commanders' defeat. Commanders president Mark Clouse said the organisation was 'honored to welcome President Trump' as part of the NFL's Salute to Service initiative.
