President Donald Trump arrived at Northwest Stadium on Sunday to watch the Washington Commanders take on the Detroit Lions in the NFL’s ‘Salute to Service’ event, honoring military veterans. The event, which is held annually, aims to recognize the service and sacrifice of veterans, active-duty military members, and their families. Trump, who had spent the day golfing in Florida, made his way back to Washington to prepare for the game, which was an important part of his schedule to engage with the military community.
Commanders principal owner Josh Harris, a key figure in the team’s history, was expected to sit with Trump during the game. Harris, who worked closely with D.C. officials and the White House to secure approval for the team’s new state-of-the-art stadium on the former RFK Stadium site, has been a central figure in the project. The new stadium, which will soon officially open, is seen as a significant development in the region’s sports landscape.
The event was marked by a dramatic flyover by Air Force One as it arrived at Joint Base Andrews. The flyover was a symbolic gesture, highlighting the connection between the military and the NFL’s commitment to honoring service members. Trump, who has often emphasized his admiration for the military, expressed his enthusiasm about the display, stating, ‘Was that the greatest flyover ever? Nobody’s ever done a fly, like that.’ This comment underscores his personal connection to the military, which has been a central part of his political platform.
During the event, Trump also had a brief meeting with War Secretary Pete Hegseth, who spoke with Harris before the game. The meeting highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the White House and the NFL to ensure that the ‘Salute to Service’ initiative remains a key part of the league’s annual events. The White House has also expressed its support for the Commanders’ new stadium, with an intermediary for the White House indicating that Trump is interested in having the stadium named after him, an idea that was positively received by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The Commanders welcomed Trump’s visit, with club president Mark Clouse expressing pride in the opportunity to participate in the NFL’s initiative. The event not only serves to honor the military but also allows the team to demonstrate its commitment to the values of service and patriotism. This aligns with the broader narrative around the NFL’s efforts to engage with the military and honor those who have served.
This marks the first time in over 40 years that a sitting president has attended an NFL regular-season game, with the last instance being President Jimmy Carter in 1978. Trump’s presence at the event also fits into his broader pattern of attending high-profile sporting events, including Super Bowl LIX and various other events like the Daytona 500, U.S. Open, and Ryder Cup. His frequent attendance at such events has been a visible part of his public engagement, emphasizing his support for sports and the military.
Overall, Trump’s appearance at the Commanders’ game underscores the intersection of politics, sports, and military service. The event serves as a platform for the president to connect with the military community, while also showcasing the NFL’s role in honoring and supporting veterans. As the event concluded, the focus remained on the values of service, patriotism, and national unity, which are central to both the military and the NFL’s initiatives.