NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
President Donald Trump did not receive a warm welcome during Sunday’s Washington Commanders-Detroit Lions game.
Over the public address system at Northwest Stadium, Trump read the names of those enlisting in the U.S. military as part of the NFL’s “Salute to Service” festivities ahead of Veterans Day. However, boos were heard from Commanders fans.
The reaction did not surprise former NFL player and military veteran Alejandro Villanueva.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva stands for the national anthem before playing the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field. (Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports)
“There is a lot of political division in the United States, maybe around the world as well, regarding who is president. It’s unfortunate,” he told Pak Gazette Digital in a recent interview. “I mean, obviously, I wish we lived in a place where we had a lot more agreements, but it’s America. Everyone’s freedoms and rights to protest and express themselves however they want are protected.”
Villanueva also hoped that civilians would not reach a point where they feel that the military only supports one political side.
“I hope that we don’t turn the military into a class where Americans feel like they support one political party or another, because I think military-civilian relations are one of the most special and crucial aspects of our military, and the fact that we’ve been able to be, you know, the power that we are now.”
President Donald Trump speaks from a suite with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, left, during halftime of an NFL football game between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Landover, Maryland. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
FORMER NFL STARS JOE THEISMANN AND ALEJANDRO VILLANUEVA PRAISE THE LEAGUE FOR BRINGING THE ‘CULTURAL WEAPON’ ABROAD
Trump received a mix of cheers and boos when he arrived at the stadium from Mar-a-Lago. He spent the morning playing golf and demanding that Democrats end the government shutdownwhich finally ended on Wednesday night.
Before leaving Landover, he spent time in the Fox broadcast booth calling the game with Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma.
He Commanders welcomed Trump to the stadium days before the game.
People raise their hands as they take the oath of office during a U.S. military reentry ceremony presided over by invisible U.S. President Donald Trump during the NFL game between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, Nov. 9, 2025. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
“We are honored to welcome President Trump to the game as we celebrate those who have served and continue to serve our country,” Commanders Club President Mark Clouse said earlier this week. “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.”
