Trump Makes Historic Visit to Commanders Game on Veterans Day Weekend
President Donald Trump attended the Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions game at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland on Sunday, marking a significant occasion for both the team and the NFL’s “Salute to Service” initiative honoring military veterans. The visit came after Trump spent the morning golfing in Florida before flying to Washington for the game. His arrival was highlighted by Air Force One flying over the stadium during the first quarter, creating a dramatic entrance that Trump later characterized to reporters as “the greatest flyover ever.” This appearance makes Trump the first sitting president to attend a regular NFL season game since Jimmy Carter did so in 1978, though Trump previously attended Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.
The visit carried additional significance as it connected to future plans for the Commanders’ new stadium. Trump was seated alongside Commanders principal owner Josh Harris, who has been working with D.C. officials and the White House on securing approval to build a new state-of-the-art facility at the old RFK Stadium site in Washington. This collaboration between the team ownership and government officials represents a potential major development for the franchise and the city. According to ESPN, an intermediary for the White House communicated to the Commanders’ ownership group that Trump wants the new stadium named after him—a suggestion that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noted “would surely be a beautiful name,” though no official decisions have been announced.
The Commanders organization embraced the presidential visit as part of their Veterans Day weekend celebrations. Club president Mark Clouse expressed the team’s sentiments earlier in the week, stating, “We are honored to welcome President Trump to the game as we celebrate those who have served and continue to serve our country.” He emphasized the organization’s pride in participating in the NFL’s league-wide Salute to Service initiative, which recognizes “the dedication and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.” The presence of War Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was seen speaking with Harris before the game, further underscored the military appreciation theme of the event.
This Commanders game adds to Trump’s growing list of sporting event appearances since his election. Over the past year, the President has maintained a visible presence at major American sporting events, attending a Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday night game during his campaign, as well as UFC fights, the Daytona 500, the U.S. Open, and the Ryder Cup. These appearances reflect Trump’s strategy of engaging with sports fans across the country and his personal interest in various competitive events. The consistent presence at diverse sporting venues has allowed Trump to connect with different segments of the American public in settings outside traditional political environments.
The potential stadium deal represents a significant development for Washington sports. The Commanders’ pursuit of a new stadium at the RFK site has been a long-running saga, with various political and financial hurdles complicating the process over multiple team ownership groups. Harris, who acquired the team in 2023, has made securing a new stadium a priority for the franchise. The involvement of federal officials, including the President, signals the project’s importance beyond just being a sports venue—potentially serving as an economic development catalyst for the surrounding area. While details about the stadium plans remain under development, the presidential involvement suggests the project may be gaining momentum after years of uncertainty.
The symbolism of this presidential visit extends beyond sports, highlighting the connection between American institutions like the presidency, professional sports, and military service. As part of the NFL’s Salute to Service month, the game featured various tributes to veterans and active military personnel, creating a patriotic atmosphere that resonated with fans in attendance. Trump’s participation in these ceremonies represents the traditional role presidents have played in celebrating American service members through cultural touchpoints like professional sports. For the Commanders organization, hosting the President during a military appreciation event adds another dimension to their community engagement efforts while potentially advancing their stadium ambitions during a significant period of franchise rebuilding.
