Former President Donald Trump is set to attend the upcoming NFL game between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions on Sunday at Northwest Field in Landover, Maryland. His attendance is part of the veteran commemoration activities taking place during halftime of the game. Trump will join Commanders owner Josh Harris in the owner’s suite for the event. The news about Trump’s attendance was initially reported by sports commentator Pat McAfee, who cited unnamed sources, and was later confirmed by the Trump administration via social media.
This appearance marks Trump’s first NFL game attendance this season, following his presence at Super Bowl LIX earlier this year. That championship game, held in New Orleans, saw the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs. Trump’s attendance at NFL games is not unprecedented; he was also present at a Pittsburgh Steelers game last year. Throughout September, Trump has maintained a visible public presence by attending a variety of high-profile sporting events, including the U.S. Open men’s final, a New York Yankees game on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and the Ryder Cup in New York.
The Washington Commanders organization expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Trump to the game. In an official statement, the team highlighted their participation in the NFL’s league-wide Salute to Service initiative, which honors veterans, active-duty military members, and their families. The Commanders emphasized their pride in recognizing the dedication and sacrifices made by those who serve the country, aligning with the patriotic themes of the event.
While Trump’s attendance is expected to bring additional attention to the game, fans should note that he will not see Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in action. Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow during a recent game against the Seattle Seahawks, sidelining him for the foreseeable future. This Sunday’s matchup is notable as a rematch of last year’s NFC divisional round, where the Commanders upset the Detroit Lions, who had entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed, thereby ending their season.
The relationship between Trump and the Washington Commanders has been complex. Earlier this year, Trump threatened to block the team’s plans for a new stadium in Washington, D.C., unless the franchise reverted to its former “Redskins” name. Trump argued that the original moniker held greater value and appeal compared to the current “Commanders” name, which he criticized on social media, also taking a jab at the Cleveland Guardians for changing their name. Despite these public statements, it appears that both the Commanders and the Lions have no intentions of revisiting or altering their current team names. For now, the sides have seemingly moved past the earlier controversy.
The timing of Trump’s attendance coincides with a notable absence in certain traditional military tributes during NFL’s Salute to Service weekend. Due to the ongoing government shutdown, the Pentagon announced that there will be no funding for flyovers or similar military displays at NFL games this weekend. This means that the usual spectacle of military aircraft flying over stadiums to honor service members will not take place during the Commanders-Lions game or other games across the league.
Sunday’s game is scheduled to kick off at 4:25 p.m. Eastern Time, promising a competitive rematch between two NFC contenders. As the Commanders and Lions prepare to face off, the presence of a former president in the stands adds a layer of political and cultural significance to the event. For sports fans and political observers alike, Trump’s attendance underscores the intersection of sports, politics, and patriotism in contemporary American life.
Fox News contributors Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press provided reporting for this story. For continued updates on this event and other sports news, Fox News encourages readers to follow their digital sports coverage on social media platforms and subscribe to their sports newsletter.
In summary, former President Donald Trump’s attendance at the Washington Commanders versus Detroit Lions game this Sunday highlights the ongoing connection between politics and sports in the United States. His presence supports the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative amid a government shutdown that limits usual military honors. The game itself serves as a reminder of last season’s surprising playoff upset and the ongoing narratives unfolding within the league. Despite past tensions involving the team’s name and stadium plans, Trump’s appearance signals a moment of unity and respect for veterans, bringing national attention to the event in Maryland.