First Sitting President at the NFL Since 1978

On November 9, 2025, President Donald Trump attended a regular-season NFL game at FedExField between the Washington Commanders and an unmentioned opponent. The visit made him the first sitting president to attend such an event since Jimmy Carter in 1978. The appearance, which took place during the NFL’s “Salute to Service” week honoring veterans, was marked by both ceremonial events and notable crowd reactions.

Story Highlights

  • President Trump became the first sitting U.S. President to attend a regular-season NFL game since 1978.
  • Air Force One performed a flyover of FedExField prior to the President’s arrival.
  • The President was met with booing from sections of the crowd during a Veterans Day “Salute to Service” ceremony.
  • President Trump provided approximately eight minutes of live commentary from the broadcast booth.
  • The White House Press Secretary publicly raised the idea of naming the new Commanders stadium after the President.
  • The President departed the stadium before the end of the game.

Presidential Visit to FedExField

President Trump arrived at FedExField on November 9, 2025, to attend the Washington Commanders’ regular-season game. The visit was preceded by an Air Force One flyover of the stadium. The President’s presence occurred during the NFL’s annual “Salute to Service” week, a period dedicated to honoring military veterans ahead of Veterans Day.

During a military enlistment ceremony at halftime, which the President participated in by reading the oath for military families, and throughout his appearances on the stadium jumbotron, the President was met with a mixed reaction, including audible booing from sections of the crowd.

Broadcast Commentary and Naming Proposal

During his time at the stadium, President Trump participated in a live interview from the broadcast booth, providing approximately eight minutes of game commentary and sharing personal anecdotes, including remarks about his high school football experience.

Separately, the White House Press Secretary suggested that the new Commanders stadium could be named after President Trump, citing the President’s involvement in stadium redevelopment efforts and calling it “a beautiful name.” President Trump departed the stadium prior to the conclusion of the game.

Watch the report: Trump becomes 1st president at a regular-season NFL game since 1978

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