President Donald Trump appeared at the Washington Commanders’ game on Sunday against the Detroit Lions as a guest of Commanders owner Josh Harris.
As the Lions roared ahead of Washington 41-16 in the fourth quarter, Trump was on hand to watch the game from Harris’ owners’ box. Trump then took the microphone at halftime, when he swore in new members of the United States military.
How Did Commanders Fans React To Donald Trump?
“Please raise your right hand,” Trump said. “Do solemnly swear and I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”
As Trump spoke during halftime of the Lions-Commanders game, fans at Northwest Stadium expressed their displeasure with his appearance.
Fox News aired a clip of Trump speaking while in the owners’ box on Sunday.
Trump getting booed at the Commanders game pic.twitter.com/ZKgoLqvpqz
— Acyn (@Acyn) November 9, 2025
While it may seem unusual to see Trump at an NFL game, the president has a bit of history with the league. At one time, he reportedly sued the NFL.
President Donald Trump’s full interview in the booth with Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma ⤵️pic.twitter.com/cM3hvbZn8T
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 9, 2025
Trump was accompanied in the owners’ box by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who can be seen at Trump’s right in a photo taken at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. Trump flew back to Washington on Sunday after spending his weekend at his home in Mar-A-Lago.
At one point in the third quarter, Trump even went over to join Fox Sports’ game broadcasters Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma in the Fox broadcast booth. Trump spoke with Albert and Vilma, along with the game’s viewers, for about eight minutes.
President Donald Trump’s full interview in the booth with Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma ⤵️pic.twitter.com/cM3hvbZn8T
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 9, 2025
Trump, in the past, has been a fan of pro football. At one time, he even owned the New Jersey Generals, who played in the old United States Football League.
Trump attempted to force a merger between the USFL and the NFL, but the USFL ultimately prevailed in the trial against the NFL, with the jury ruling that the NFL was a monopoly. But the USFL was awarded only $1 in damages.
The outcome of the lawsuit ultimately contributed significantly to the USFL’s demise. Author Jeff Pearlman detailed the entire situation in his book, “Football For A Buck: The Crazy Rise and Crazier Demise of the USFL”.
