On Sunday, during an NFL clash between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions, Trump took part in the league’s "Salute to Service" event ahead of Veterans Day, only to face a mixed reception of cheers and jeers while honoring new military recruits.
Fox News reported that Trump, fresh from a round of golf at Mar-a-Lago, arrived with a firm message to Democrats about ending the government shutdown before heading to the stadium.
The Commanders had rolled out the welcome mat days earlier, eager to host the president for this significant tribute to America’s armed forces.
Yet, as Trump entered Northwest Stadium, the crowd’s response was anything but unanimous—some cheered with gusto, while others let loose a chorus of boos that echoed through the stands.
Now, in a game already buzzing with energy—thanks to Detroit Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown scoring a touchdown and mimicking Trump’s signature dance move in the end zone before the president’s arrival—the focus quickly shifted to the halftime ceremony.
During the break, Trump took to the public address system, reading the names of fresh U.S. military recruits enlisting in the armed forces with the kind of gravitas you’d expect from such a moment.
He then presided over their Oath of Enlistment, a solemn pledge to serve and protect, which should have been a unifying scene for any American crowd.
Instead, some Commanders fans chose that very moment to boo, a move that raised eyebrows and drew sharp criticism from fellow NFL viewers who saw it as a slight against the military personnel being celebrated.
Social media lit up with reactions from fans watching at home, many arguing that jeering during a military tribute—regardless of one’s feelings about the president—is a low blow to those who defend our freedoms.
After all, this wasn’t about political stump speeches or policy debates; it was about honoring the brave men and women stepping up to serve, and yet some couldn’t resist turning it into a protest.
Even the Commanders’ own leadership had set a tone of respect, with club president Mark Clouse stating earlier in the week, “We are honored to welcome President Trump to the game as we celebrate those who have served and continue to serve our country.”
Clouse also emphasized the broader mission, saying, “The entire Commanders organization is proud to participate in the NFL’s league-wide Salute to Service initiative, recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, active-duty service members, and their families this Sunday.”
Meanwhile, Trump didn’t let the mixed crowd reaction dampen his day—he later joined the FOX broadcast booth alongside Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma, offering play-by-play commentary with the same unapologetic flair he brings to everything else.
Look, disagree with the man’s policies all you want, but booing during a military oath ceremony isn’t the flex some fans might think it is—it’s a fumble of basic decency when our troops deserve the spotlight.
