The Washington Commanders are hosting the Detroit Lions later this afternoon at 4:25 PM. While this game does carry some playoff implications, that narrative has been overshadowed by a recent report involving the most powerful man in the world.
Will Donald Trump attend the Commanders-Lions game?
President Donald Trump has attended numerous sporting events throughout his second presidency. That includes several UFC pay-per-views, Super Bowl LIX, and even this year’s US Open Final.
As the United States is in the midst of the longest government shutdown in history, Trump is expected to attend another football game. And according to ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the 47th president will be more than just a spectator for the Commanders’ Week 10 matchup.
President Donald Trump will attend today’s Commanders’ home game against the Detroit Lions. Trump will attend the game as Josh Harris’ guest and is expected to participate in halftime activities honoring the military. https://t.co/OIhabWLCPx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 9, 2025
What’s the latest news on Donald Trump and the Washington Commanders’ new stadium?
The Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions last faced off in the NFC Divisional Round this past January. Dan Quinn’s team ultimately shocked the No. 1 seed in the conference to make its first NFC Championship Game of this century, and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was a large reason why.
Unfortunately, the second-year quarterback will not be available this afternoon as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder. Daniels isn’t expected to return to action anytime soon, and it might be in the Commanders’ best interest to sit their star QB for the rest of the season.
The Commanders currently sit at 3-6 overall, and their chances of making the postseason are very bleak at this point. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions are right in the thick of the NFC North race at 5-3 and will surely be motivated to get revenge for their recent playoff elimination.
Despite these interesting trends, heading into this clash, the overlying story has revolved around President Trump’s attendance as well as his reported desire to have the Commanders’ new stadium named after him.
The franchise announced the construction of a new stadium near the former RFK Stadium site at 2400 East Capitol Street SE, near the Anacostia River and the DC Armory. The project involves federal land and oversight by the D.C. government.
Construction is set to begin in 2026, and this 65,000-seat multi-purpose complex is expected to open in 2030. Trump has reportedly expressed interest in having this stadium named after in. The White House echoed this sentiment with press secretary Karoline Leavitt telling ESPN, “That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible.
Another senior White House official even said, “It’s what the president wants, and it will probably happen.” Nonetheless, the Commanders’ majority owner Josh Harris likely will not give in to this pressure from the administration, as it could cost him over $800 million if he doesn’t sell the naming rights to a corporate sponsor. But President Trump will be at Northwest Stadium this afternoon as these rumors swirl.