President Donald Trump became the first sitting president to attend a regular-season NFL game: the matchup between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions at Northwest Stadium on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Trump shared his views on enjoying sporting events stating that sports is a microcosm of life. He also mentioned who was also at the Super Bowl in February.
The President said, “You have the triumph, and you have the problems, and you have to get through the problems to hit the triumphs.”
Washington currently plays at Northwest Stadium, a multi-purpose stadium in Landover; Maryland, which has been the team’s home since 1997.
The commanders played at RFK stadium from 1961 through 1996 and won three Super Bowls during that time period.
In April, Washington owner Josh Harris, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, and Washington D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser announced the Commanders would return to the nation 's capital in a new stadium at the RFK site.
However, the new structure could cost at least $3.7 billion, $2.7 billion of which will be paid by the team.
In this connection, Trump said, “They’re going to build a beautiful stadium and we’re getting all the approvals and everything else and you have a wonderful owner, Josh and his group, and you’re going to see some very good things.”
Nonetheless, the event marks the first time a high-profile, historic appearance has occurred, successfully ending a nearly 50-year presidential drought at regular-season NFL games.