LANDOVER, MD – Donald Trump on Sunday became teh first sitting U.S. president to attend a regular-season NFL game since Jimmy Carter in 1978, taking in the Washington Commanders’ 40-22 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The appearance at FedExField marked the latest in a string of high-profile sporting event visits for the former president.
The Commanders’ game is part of a larger narrative surrounding the team’s planned return to Washington, D.C., and a nearly $4 billion stadium project at the site of the former RFK Stadium. Trump has reportedly expressed a desire for the new stadium to bear his name, with an intermediary communicating this wish to the team’s ownership group, according to ESPN reporting.
During a television appearance Sunday, Trump discussed the team’s plans. ”They’re going to build a lovely stadium. That’s what I’m involved in, we’re getting all the approvals and everything else,” he said. “And you have a wonderful owner, Josh [Harris] and his group. And you’re going to see some very good things.”
The Commanders were purchased by a group led by Josh Harris for approximately $6 billion in 2023, ending the tenure of former owner Daniel Snyder.
Trump’s visit included conversations with Harris and several members of his management, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and Senator Steve Daines. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth participated in an on-field ceremony honoring members of the military.
Trump also reflected on the broader significance of sports, stating during the broadcast, “I just love it. It’s a microcosm of life. It’s sort of like life — the good,the bad and the ugly.” He has recently attended events including golf’s Ryder Cup,auto racing’s Daytona 500,and tennis’ US Open.
