Trump to Protect Army-Navy Game Tradition with Executive Order
Preserving American Patriotism on the Gridiron
President Donald Trump has announced plans to sign an executive order that would protect the broadcast time slot for the iconic Army-Navy football game, one of America’s most cherished sporting traditions. Making the announcement via his Truth Social platform, Trump emphasized the game’s cultural significance as a display of “Unmatched Patriotism, Courage, and Honor!” The presidential action comes amid concerns that the expansion of the NCAA College Football Playoff system could potentially displace the traditional Army-Navy game from its December spotlight, subordinating this historic rivalry to commercial interests and playoff scheduling.
A Presidential Shield for Military Tradition
The executive order, as outlined by Trump, would establish an exclusive four-hour broadcast window on the second Saturday in December dedicated solely to the Army-Navy game. “Under my Administration, the second Saturday in December belongs to Army-Navy, and ONLY Army-Navy!” Trump declared, emphasizing that this protected time slot would remain inviolable by any other postseason football games. The move represents an unusual intersection of presidential authority and sports programming, with Trump framing the issue as a matter of national respect rather than mere entertainment scheduling. His statement serves as a clear notice to television networks and sports organizations that this military academy tradition warrants special consideration and protection.
More Than Just a Game
For many Americans, the Army-Navy game transcends sports, representing a celebration of service, duty, and the unique bond between our armed forces. Trump highlighted this sentiment, noting that while the athletes compete fiercely on the field, “on the battlefield they are America’s unstoppable Patriots, defending our Country with tremendous Strength and Heart.” The annual matchup between the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis has been played continuously since 1890, with only a few interruptions during world wars. Its continuation represents a living connection to American military history and values, something Trump clearly believes should not be compromised for commercial interests or playoff expansion.
The Changing Landscape of College Football
The president’s concern stems from real changes in college football’s structure. The NCAA is expanding its playoff system from four teams to twelve, creating more high-profile postseason games that could potentially overshadow or displace traditional contests like Army-Navy. This expansion reflects the growing commercialization of college athletics, with broadcast rights and advertising revenue becoming increasingly powerful forces in scheduling decisions. Trump’s intervention suggests a belief that certain traditions should remain protected from these market pressures, particularly those with strong connections to national service and patriotic values.
Trump’s Personal Connection to the Rivalry
The president’s commitment to the Army-Navy game is not merely political posturing. Trump has attended the contest seven times, including the most recent 126th installment at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium on December 13, where Navy narrowly defeated Army 17-16 to claim the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. This personal investment in the tradition demonstrates Trump’s appreciation for military culture and institutions. He has also announced plans to attend the upcoming College Football Playoff championship in Miami, accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, showing his broader engagement with college football while maintaining that the Army-Navy game deserves special status.
Reactions and Implications
While some may question whether protecting a football game’s broadcast slot falls within appropriate presidential authority, many military families and traditionalists will likely welcome Trump’s intervention. The announced executive order represents another example of Trump’s willingness to use presidential powers in unconventional ways to address issues he considers important to American culture and values. As college sports continue evolving toward greater commercialization, the Army-Navy game stands as a reminder of athletics’ capacity to celebrate values beyond entertainment and profit. Whether this executive action becomes a lasting protection or faces challenges remains to be seen, but it clearly signals Trump’s intent to preserve what he considers an essential American tradition honoring those who serve in our nation’s defense.
