Navy Football Team Honored by President Trump
On March 20, 2026, President Donald Trump celebrated the Navy football team at the White House, presenting them with the 2025 Commander in Chief Trophy in recognition of their impressive season where they bested other major military academies.
Alongside the trophy presentation, an Executive Order was signed to ensure a consistent schedule for the Army-Navy game. While this trophy is awarded in 2026, it acknowledges Navy’s strong performance over the 2025 season, standing out against the Army and Air Force.
President Trump remarked, “It is my great honor to officially award the Commander in Chief Trophy for the second year in a row to the only Navy Cadet football team that has played against the best teams in the world and achieved an 11-2 record. These players accomplished, frankly, one of the most impressive seasons in Navy football history.”
Notably, Navy recently triumphed over Air Force with a score of 34-31 and narrowly edged out Army 17-16, bringing their historical series record to 64-55-7, a strong standing indeed.
The event kicked off in Baltimore, where Trump participated in a ceremonial coin toss. He then signed the Executive Order titled “Keep America’s Game,” surrounded by eager cadets. He lightheartedly noted that he wouldn’t use an autopen for his signature, humorously aiming for a top rating with a self-assured “10.”
This order aims to protect military academies from potential changes in college football structures, such as the College Football Playoff, which could detract from the recognition that events like the Army-Navy game bring to these academies.
The Executive Order highlighted, “For more than a century, the Army-Navy game, known as ‘America’s Game,’ has stood as a symbol of excellence and the American spirit.”
The policy stipulates that if another college football game conflicts with the Army-Navy match, it should not be broadcast. The Secretary of Commerce and the FCC Chairman will work together with relevant organizations to secure an “exclusive window” for this significant game.
The next Army-Navy game is set for December 12, 2026, marking the 127th encounter between these historic rivals.
