In an unforgettable and dramatic moment at the Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions NFL game on November 9, 2025, former President Donald Trump was loudly booed by fans, igniting waves of anger and controversy throughout the stadium. Making history as the first sitting U.S. president in nearly fifty years to attend a regular-season NFL game, Trump’s appearance was anything but welcomed by many in the crowd.
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The boos erupted as soon as Trump’s face appeared on the stadium’s massive videoboard during the first half, with many sections of the crowd shouting their loud disapproval. When the stadium announcer introduced Trump during halftime, the jeering grew louder, overwhelming the atmosphere. The hostility continued even as Trump led a military Oath of Enlistment ceremony during the break—a solemn moment drowned out by the crowd’s relentless boos.
Arriving in style aboard Air Force One, complete with a dramatic flyover of Northwest Stadium, Trump appeared unfazed by the noisy reception. He greeted reporters at Joint Base Andrews with typical bravado, saying, “I’m a little bit late,” before heading to the stadium in his armored vehicle.
The intensity of the crowd’s reaction is believed to stem from lingering resentment over Trump’s past divisive remarks about NFL players kneeling during the national anthem—a movement rooted in protests against racial injustice. Trump’s attempts to tie the Washington Commanders' new stadium naming rights to his own name also sparked ire among local fans and activists.
Adding to the spectacle, Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated a touchdown earlier in the game by mimicking the now-infamous "Trump dance," a playful yet pointed jab at the former president’s polarizing presence in sports and politics.
Even though Trump left the stadium before the game ended, the echoes of boos and chants left a lasting impression. Social media exploded with opinions—some praising the crowd’s bold stance, others condemning what they called disrespect, especially during a military ceremony honoring service members.
This tense encounter marks one of the most hostile receptions for a sitting or former U.S. president in recent sports history, highlighting the ongoing cultural and political divisions inflaming American society today.