The President of the United States is often tasked with celebrating American culture through sports, playing spectator, hosting events, and acknowledging the weight of accomplishments at home and abroad. This is headlined by the tradition of hosting champions from various sports.
Offering champions from various sports and their collegiate counterparts a chance to celebrate at the White House. While the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions made deep playoff runs in recent years, they fell short of the Lombardi Trophy and the subsequent trip to the nation’s capital. Yet, in Week 10, they will have a chance to play with the President in attendance.
President Donald Trump Expected to Attend Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions
On Nov. 7, “The Pat McAfee Show” broke the news that President Donald Trump would be present for Week 10’s clash between the Commanders and Lions.
“Breaking news here,” McAfee began. “Sources are telling me that President Donald Trump will be in attendance for this Washington Commanders game in the afternoon against the Detroit Lions. And he will actually be there to celebrate the veterans’ celebration that’s taking place at halftime. He’ll be sitting in [owner] Josh Harris’ box, and he’ll be excited to celebrate the hell out of the greatest sport on Earth, American football.”
It is fairly common for presidents to attend games, especially when teams plan on honoring the military, its veterans, or first responders.
Likewise, Week 10 won’t be Trump’s first bout with NFL action. He appeared at Super Bowl 59 between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles in February. In 2024, he capped off election rallies in Pennsylvania with an appearance at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ win over the New York Jets.
We have some BREAKING NEWS..
Source(s) are telling me that President Donald Trump will be attending the Commanders and Lions game on Sunday #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/sL6OaPQIfd
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 7, 2025
This time around, he’ll be taking part in the NFL’s Salute to Service, a year-long effort headlined by events and promotions in November, coinciding with Veterans Day.
“We are honored to welcome President Trump to the game as we celebrate those who have served and continue to serve our country,” Commanders Team President Mark Clouse said, via Ian Rapoport. “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.”
The President has frequently posted about the NFL on social media, recently threatening Washington over its pivot to “Commanders” amid a new stadium deal.
He won’t get to see Washington at full strength. Quarterback Jayden Daniels left Week 9’s loss with a dislocated elbow, his third injury scare of the season. Subsequently, the Commanders rank 14th in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric, a mediocre mark failing to compensate for PFSN’s 25th-ranked defense.
MORE: Jayden Daniels Injury Update: Will the Commanders QB Play Again in 2025?
The Lions, who are road favorites, rank ninth and fifth, respectively.
While Washington’s season is in peril at 3-6, Trump will watch Detroit attempt to improve its playoff standing and 5-3 record. Sunday’s festivities will kick off on Nov. 9 at 4:25 p.m. in Landover.