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President Donald Trump addresses Commanders-Lions crowd at Northwest Stadium to shower of boos

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones11/09/25brianjones_93
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Jack Gruber/USA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The fans at the Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions game booed President Donald Trump when he addressed them at Northwest Stadium. Trump attended the game to take part in the NFL’s Salute to Service festivities.

Donald Trump became the first sitting president in nearly 50 years to attend an NFL regular-season game. When Trump was shown on the videoboard late in the first half, fans began booing the president. There was more jeering when he read an oath for members of the military to recite as part of an on-field ceremony.

“We are honored to welcome President Trump to the game as we celebrate those who have served and continue to serve our country,” Commanders president Mark Clouse said before the game. “The entire Commanders organization is proud to participate in the NFL’s league-wide Salute to Service initiative, recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, active-duty service members, and their families this Sunday.”

In the third quarter, Trump joined the FOX broadcast booth. He told announcers Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma that he “loved playing football,” as he played high school football in New York. And when the 47th United States President was asked how many touchdowns he scored, he said, “I’m not sure I had any.”

Looking at Donald Trump’s relationship with the Commanders

Trump and the Commanders have had an interesting relationship this year. In July, the 79-year-old said he would block construction of the team’s new stadium if owner Josh Harris did not change the team name from Commanders to its old name (Redskins). This past weekend, ESPN reported that Trump wants the Commanders to name the new stadium after him.

ESPN pointed out that the Commanders own the new stadium’s naming rights, which will likely be sold to a corporate sponsor. If they want to name the stadium after Trump, they would have to come together with the city and the National Park, Service since it owns the federal government land on the old RFK Stadium site where the new stadium will be built.

“The team doesn’t have the authority. They can’t name the stadium … on their own,” a source told ESPN. “The city would be involved in that decision, and the Park Service would be involved.”