Trump Booed at NFL Game, First Sitting President in Nearly 50 Years

President Donald Trump became the first sitting president in nearly a half-century to attend a regular-season NFL game, visiting the Washington Commanders contest against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Landover, Maryland's FedExField. Trump's presence was met with boos from some spectators in the stands when he was shown on the videoboard late in the first half standing in a suite with House Speaker Mike Johnson, and again when the president was introduced by the stadium announcer at halftime. The jeering continued while Trump read an oath for members of the military to recite as part of an on-field ceremony during the break in the game. According to eyewitnesses, Trump's appearance on the videoboard sparked a mixture of reactions from the crowd, with some fans expressing their discontent through boos and others applauding. "I think it's a sign of the times," said a Washington Commanders fan who wished to remain anonymous. "People are expressing their opinions and dissatisfaction with the current administration." Another fan, who identified himself as a supporter of the president, countered, "I think it's great that the president is showing his support for the troops and the military. It's a great gesture." Trump's visit to the game was not without controversy. The president's presence at the game has been seen by some as a potential distraction from his administration's policy initiatives, including his efforts to address the ongoing national security concerns and economic challenges facing the country. "The president's visit to the game is a reminder that, despite his efforts to shift attention to other issues, the public remains focused on the pressing issues of the day," said a spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee. The last time a sitting president attended a regular-season NFL game was in 1978, when President Jimmy Carter visited a game between the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys. Trump's visit to the game marked a significant departure from his predecessor's approach to sports diplomacy, with some analysts suggesting that the president's decision to attend the game was an attempt to connect with a broader audience and showcase his support for the military. As the game came to a close, Trump departed FedExField, following a flyover of the stadium by military aircraft. The president's visit to the game was seen as a significant moment in the ongoing narrative of his presidency, with some analysts suggesting that the boos from the crowd may have been a reflection of the public's growing discontent with his administration's policies.