For the first time in five decades, a sitting American president attended a regular-season NFL game. Donald Trump, 79, was in attendance as the Washington Commanders lost to the Detroit Pistons 22-44 on Sunday, Nov. 9. When introduced to the crowd at halftime, Trump received a mixed reception, with both boos and cheers notable from inside the stadium and on television.
Jimmy Carter was the last president to watch a regular-season game while in office, and that was in 1978. Trump previously attended a Super Bowl as President, when the Eagles won earlier this year.
Trump also joined Fox Sports during the third quarter, where he explained his enjoyment of watching live sporting events, likening the experiences the players go through to those of real life.
“You have the triumph and you have the problems, and you have to get through the problems to hit the triumphs,” Trump said.
Nevertheless, it was the mixed reception that captured most of the headlines. After all, politics has become arguably the most divisive subject in multiple countries in recent years, with America among the most impacted societies.
Donald Trump Wants the Commanders’ New Stadium To Be Named After Him
The Commanders are currently in the process of building a new $3.7 billion stadium. They reportedly hold the naming rights and will likely field offers from corporate sponsors. However, there are rumors that Trump would like the stadium to be named after him.
When speaking to ESPN, a White House source noted that if Trump wishes for the stadium to bear his name, then it will likely become a reality.
“It’s what the president wants, and it will probably happen,” the White House source told ESPN.
Trump may face resistance if he pursues naming the stadium after himself. ESPN reports that the Commanders lack the authority to approve naming rights without approval from the D.C. Council and the National Park Service.
“The team doesn’t have the authority. They can’t name the stadium … on their own,” The source told ESPN. “The city would be involved in that decision, and the Park Service would be involved.”
It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. But all we know for now is that Trump was in attendance, and not everyone inside the stadium was pleased to see him.