Why is Donald Trump at Lions vs. Commanders? Explaining the president's NFL Week 10 appearance

Daniel Chavkin

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Why is Donald Trump at Lions vs. Commanders? Explaining the president's NFL Week 10 appearance image

President Donald Trump has attended many sporting events in the first year of his second term, and that continued on Sunday.

The Washington Commanders announced that Trump would attend the team's game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday as the league honors the military community, marking the first football game that Trump has attended this season, but the latest in a string of sporting events that saw Trump in the stands.

As the game between the Commanders and Lions took place at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, Trump did not have to fly to the event this time around. Instead, he just hopped over to the game from the White House, also making an appearance on Fox's broadcast for the game.

Here's the latest on Trump's decision to attend the Commanders game on Sunday.

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Why is Donald Trump at Lions vs. Commanders?

President Donald Trump attended Sunday's game between the Commanders and Lions as the NFL commemorated its Salute to Service initiative.

"We are honored to welcome President Trump to the game as we celebrate those who have served and continue to serve our country," Commanders team president Mark Clouse said in a statement. "The entire Commanders organization is proud to participate in the NFL’s league-wide Salute to Service initiative, recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, active-duty service members, and their families this Sunday."

President Trump was given a shout-out during the game. Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown came down with a receiving touchdown and for his celebration, pointed toward the stadium and then did Trump's dance. 

Later in the game, Washington tight end Ben Sinnott caught a TD and also hit the Trump dance celebration.

Trump led a ceremony for the Salute to Service initiative:

The president then made an appearance on the Fox broadcast, answering some questions about when he used to play football in his youth.

Here's Trump's full interview with Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma on the Fox broadcast:

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What is the NFL Salute to Service initiative

The Salute to Service initiative is the NFL's way of giving back to the military community. According to the NFL, the league has raised over $75 million for military organizations like the Pat Tillman Foundation, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Additionally, every year, the league hands out the Salute to Service award to someone in the league who has honored and supported the military community. In 2024, that award went to San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle.

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Report: Trump wants new stadium named after him

Washington D.C. Approved a new stadium for the Commanders to bring the team closer to home. The franchise has been playing its home games in Landover, Maryland, but the proposed site of the new stadium is two miles from the U.S. Capitol. The proposed plan has Washington utilizing the site of the old RFK Stadium where the franchise played from 1961 to 1996. 

Reports came out on Saturday, Nov. 8, that President Trump wants the stadium to be named after him. The Commanders own the naming rights to the stadium, with the assumption that it goes to a corporate sponsor. An individual being incorporated into the stadium name will likely rest with the District of Columbia council, per ESPN. The new stadium is scheduled to open in 2030, which would be two years after President Trump's term ends. 

Donald Trump sporting event history

Since he was first elected president in 2016, Donald Trump has attended many sporting events as either the president or, from 2021 to 2024, former president. Among those events that Trump has attended are:

  • 2019 World Series, Game 5
  • 2021 World Series, Game 4
  • Daytona 500
  • Georgia at Alabama football, Sept. 2024
  • Super Bowl LIX
  • LIV Golf Doral tournament
  • NCAA Wrestling Championships
  • FIFA Club World Cup Final
  • New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers on 9/11/25
  • 2024 U.S. Open Final
  • 2024 Ryder Cup
  • Several UFC Fights

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