Watch: Trump booed by NFL fans during historic appearance at Commanders-Lions game

Lound boos rang out across Washington’s Northwest Stadium after US President Donald Trump appeared on the giant screen during Sunday’s NFL game between the Commanders and the Detroit Lions -- marking the first time in nearly half a century that a sitting president has attended a regular-season fixture.

Trump, standing in a private suite alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson, was shown on the stadium’s big screen late in the first half. The crowd erupted into a mix of cheers and jeers, though the boos appeared to dominate. The reaction grew louder when the announcer formally introduced the US President at halftime.

During the break, Trump participated in an enlistment ceremony for new military recruits, reading aloud the oath of service as the audience noise continued.

"I’m a little bit late," Trump told reporters earlier after landing at Joint Base Andrews, referring to his delayed arrival following a brief flyover above the stadium. "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," he added.

Before Trump’s arrival, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated a touchdown by mimicking the "Trump dance." Later, during the third quarter, Trump joined Fox Sports commentators Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma for a casual eight-minute on-air conversation.

When asked about his high school football days at the New York Military Academy, Trump replied, "I played tight end, but it was not quite football like this. It was a little bit easier. It wasn’t so tough."

Trump left before the game concluded.

According to NFL records, only Richard Nixon in 1969 and Jimmy Carter in 1978 attended regular-season NFL games while in office. Trump also made history earlier this year by becoming the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl, when he watched the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs.

TRUMP'S LINK TO NEW STADIUM PROJECT

Trump’s appearance also comes amid reports of his interest in the Commanders’ new stadium project in Washington. According to ESPN, an intermediary for the White House informed the team’s ownership group that Trump wanted the nearly $4 billion facility -- planned for the former RFK Stadium site -- to bear his name.

"They’re going to build a beautiful stadium," Trump said during Sunday’s broadcast. "That’s what I’m involved in; we’re getting all the approvals and everything else. And you have a wonderful owner, Josh (Harris), and his group. You’re going to see some very good things."

Trump watched the game with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Republican Senator Steve Daines of Montana.

Before kickoff, Hegseth joined team owner Josh Harris for an on-field ceremony with US military personnel.

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With inputs from agencies

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