Trump booed by fans during first presidential appearance at NFL game in decades | Watch

US President Donald Trump made a rare public appearance at an NFL regular-season game on Sunday, becoming the first sitting American president in nearly half a century to do so. He attended the Washington Commanders’ home clash against the Detroit Lions at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, as part of the league’s annual “Salute to Service” tribute.

Speaking to reporters earlier at Joint Base Andrews, Trump joked about his delayed arrival, saying, “I’m a little bit late.” He added, “We’re gonna have a good game. Things are going along very well. The country’s doing well. The Democrats have to open it up,” referring to the ongoing government shutdown.

An Air Force One flyover and a ceremonial enlistment event for new military recruits marked Trump’s arrival. However, the reception inside the stadium was far from warm. When his image appeared on the big screen late in the first half, loud boos echoed across the stands, mixed with a few cheers.
The jeering grew louder when the stadium announcer formally introduced him at halftime, according to the Associated Press. The president, standing in a suite alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson, continued to face boos even as he read an oath for military recruits during the on-field ceremony.

The Washington, D.C., area, known for its strong Democratic leanings and large number of federal employees affected by Trump’s budget cuts, has historically not been friendly territory for him. In 2019, Nationals fans shouted “lock him up” during the World Series when Trump appeared at a game.

Before Sunday’s match, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated a touchdown by mimicking Trump’s viral “dance move,” which has circulated widely on social media.