The Detroit Lions’ first-quarter surge in Washington came with an unusual backdrop: a sitting president watching from a suite during Salute to Service weekend, and a star receiver who acknowledged it in the end zone.
After crossing the goal line to put the Lions up 14-3, Amon-Ra St. Brown pointed toward the boxes and broke into the “Trump dance,” a rally-style move that has migrated into sports celebrations over the past year.
The moment quickly spilled beyond the field as clips spread and the president’s team amplified the gesture online.
Amon-Ra St. Brown Celebrates TD With Viral ‘Trump Dance’ vs. Commanders
St. Brown’s touchdown came late in the first quarter on a nine-yard catch-and-dive. His celebration arrived seconds later: a glance and a point up toward the suite level at Northwest Stadium and the distinctive, two-fists, hip-sway move associated with the president’s rally routine. Teammates, including Jameson Williams, joined briefly before the receiver jogged to the sideline.
“I mean, I heard Trump was gonna be at the game; I don’t know how many times the president is gonna be at the game, so [I] just decided to have some fun and do his dance,” St. Brown explained postgame. The clip circulated rapidly on social platforms, with broadcast replays highlighting the moment as Detroit extended its early lead.
The “Trump dance” has been adopted sporadically by athletes across leagues since last fall, following the 2024 election. Sunday’s incident occurred during Veterans Day week and on a day when the Commanders hosted the president in a suite, with plans for an in-game appearance on the Fox telecast.
Reporting ahead of the matchup had noted the visit, and game-day coverage documented the attendance and suite companions during the first half. Within minutes, St. Brown’s gesture was packaged into short clips and shared widely, re-igniting discussion around athlete celebrations and high-profile spectators in NFL venues.
What Did Donald Trump Say About Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Dance?
As the video spread, the president’s political operation acknowledged the moment on X. The Trump War Room account posted approval content, including a thumbs-up GIF in response to the celebration clips that circulated across the platform. That immediate engagement served as a clear nod from the president’s team and added to the viral arc that began with the live broadcast replay.
The day’s coverage also chronicled the president’s in-stadium itinerary, noting his suite presence, a brief segment on the broadcast, and the broader attention to the pregame Salute to Service elements. With the “Trump dance” already a known celebration and the president attending his second NFL game since inauguration, St. Brown’s end-zone gesture landed at the intersection of sports, politics, and pop culture.
As Detroit went on to secure the win, the clip continued to travel, sparking widespread commentary and drawing a thumbs-up acknowledgment from the War Room account, signalling an on-the-record appreciation for the moment.