Extra security measures were enacted ahead of the Washington Commanders’ game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, as President Donald Trump prepared to make history by becoming the first sitting president to attend a regular-season NFL game in nearly 50 years. With police, military, and Secret Service officers on-site, the atmosphere at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, was intensified by heightened security protocols, including more fences and restricted pathways.
Trump’s attendance marks a significant moment for the NFL, as only two other presidents—Richard Nixon in 1969 and Jimmy Carter in 1978—have attended games while in office. During his presidency, Trump previously attended the Super Bowl, where he witnessed the Philadelphia Eagles’ victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in February.
At the game, Trump is expected to be seated with Josh Harris, the principal owner of the Commanders, who recently acquired the team for approximately $6 billion. Reports indicate that Trump has expressed interest in having the team’s new stadium, part of a $4 billion development project at the former RFK Stadium site in Washington, D.C., named after him, a proposal that sparked remarks from Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, calling it “a beautiful name.”
In anticipation of the game, Commanders club president Mark Clouse emphasized their commitment to honoring military veterans and active-duty service members through their participation in the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative. Clouse stated, “We are honored to welcome President Trump to the game as we celebrate those who have served and continue to serve our country.”
Despite the current celebration, Trump’s relationship with the NFL has been contentious in the past, particularly during his first term when he openly criticized players kneeling during the national anthem to protest social injustice. This movement began in 2016 and featured then-49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick at its forefront. Trump’s calls for players to stand for the anthem ignited nationwide debate on the intersection of sports and social issues.
The anticipation surrounding Trump’s attendance adds to a series of notable appearances at major sporting events, reinforcing his longstanding engagement with the sports community.