President Donald Trump will be in attendance for Sunday’s matchup between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions — continuing his streak of appearances at major sporting events during his second term in office.
The Commanders announced that the president would be joining fans at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, as part of the NFL’s annual Salute to Service celebration, which pays tribute to military personnel and their families. Unlike some of his previous trips, Trump won’t need to travel far for this one — the venue is just a short drive from the White House.
Why Is Trump Attending the Game?
The president’s visit coincides with the league-wide Salute to Service weekend, a program dedicated to honoring active-duty service members, veterans, and their loved ones.“We’re proud to welcome President Trump as we recognize the men and women who serve our nation,” said Commanders president Mark Clouse in a team statement. “Our organization is honored to take part in the NFL’s efforts to highlight the courage and commitment of the military community.”
What Is the NFL’s Salute to Service Initiative?
The Salute to Service campaign is the NFL’s longstanding effort to support military members and veterans through fundraising and public recognition. Since its inception, the initiative has contributed more than $75 million to organizations such as the Pat Tillman Foundation, TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Each year, the league also honors an individual who has gone above and beyond in supporting military causes. The 2024 recipient of the Salute to Service Award was George Kittle, tight end for the San Francisco 49ers.
Reports: Trump Wants the New Stadium Named After Him
The Commanders recently received approval to move forward with plans for a new stadium in Washington, D.C., close to the site of the former RFK Stadium where the team played for decades. The new venue would bring the franchise back within city limits for the first time since 1996.
According to reports from Nov. 8, Trump has expressed interest in having the future stadium bear his name. While the team controls the naming rights, the ultimate decision would likely involve the D.C. Council, especially since naming rights are typically sold to corporate sponsors. The new stadium is expected to open in 2030, about two years after Trump’s current term would end.
Trump’s History at Sporting Events
Whether as president or private citizen, Trump has long made appearances at high-profile sporting events. Since his first election in 2016, he’s been seen at everything from college football championships to UFC fights and Major League Baseball games. Sunday’s visit to the Commanders game marks his first NFL appearance of the 2025 season, adding to a long list of public outings where sports and politics intersect.
