LANDOVER, Maryland, United States — President Donald Trump faced a wave of boos while swearing in military enlistees during halftime at a National Football League (NFL) game between the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions on Sunday, November 9, 2025. The moment, intended as a patriotic tribute, quickly became a flashpoint for political debate.
Trump appeared in a luxury suite at Northwest Stadium alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. As he was introduced and shown on the stadium’s videoboard, a mix of cheers and loud boos erupted from the crowd, with the negative reaction dominating the audio broadcast.
The ceremony was part of a broader tribute to U.S. service members and featured Trump administering the military oath to a group of new enlistees. Standing beside Hegseth, Trump read the oath aloud as the crowd’s reaction continued to fluctuate between applause and jeers.
Before beginning the oath, Trump addressed the crowd with a brief remark: “I’m a little late, but I’m here,” he said, smiling. The comment drew a fresh wave of mixed reactions, with some fans cheering and others booing louder. The moment underscored the polarized atmosphere surrounding his appearance.
The NFL, or National Football League, is the premier professional American football league in the United States, consisting of 32 teams. It is one of the most watched and culturally significant sports organizations in the country, often drawing massive crowds and national attention.
Trump’s appearance marked the first time in nearly five decades that a sitting U.S. president attended a regular-season NFL game. The event was timed to coincide with Veterans Day weekend and was intended to honor active-duty personnel and veterans.
Supporters praised Trump’s participation as a bold show of respect for the military. “He’s the only president who would show up and do this in person,” said one attendee wearing a MAGA hat. “It takes guts to stand in front of a crowd like this and honor our troops.”
Critics, however, viewed the moment as politically charged and inappropriate. “This wasn’t about the military—it was about him,” said another fan, who described the ceremony as “a campaign stunt disguised as patriotism.” Social media lit up with polarized reactions, with hashtags like #BooTrump and #SaluteToService trending simultaneously.
The Detroit Lions went on to defeat the Washington Commanders 44–22, but the game itself was overshadowed by the halftime spectacle. Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown added to the drama by mimicking a “Trump dance” after scoring a touchdown, drawing laughter and commentary online.
White House officials later downplayed the crowd’s reaction, calling it “a passionate and diverse response in a free country.” They emphasized the importance of honoring military service and said the president was proud to participate regardless of the reception.
