Trump Signs Executive Order to Protect Army-Navy Game Broadcasts

Commissioner Tim Pernetti of the American Conference has expressed appreciation for President Donald Trump after he signed an executive order that secures the exclusive broadcast slot for the annual Army-Navy football game.

Pernetti conveyed the conference’s “deep gratitude” for this significant decision. He mentioned, “The American Conference deeply appreciates President Trump’s strong leadership in issuing this historic executive order to preserve America’s Game.”

He went on to highlight that this move safeguards a beloved aspect of national culture and underlines the uniqueness of the Army-Navy game.

“The Army-Navy game is more than just a sporting event. It commemorates our military academies, showcases the commitment of our future leaders, and brings Americans together around crucial values like service and sacrifice,” he stated.

Pernetti further remarked, “This executive order is a positive development for our sport and our service academies. We’re part of the effort to protect the enduring legacy of America’s Game.”

During a ceremony in which he presented the Commander in Chief Trophy to the Navy football team in the White House, Trump signed the executive order. This directive instructs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Commerce to collaborate with various stakeholders, including the NCAA and broadcasting partners, ensuring that exclusive broadcast slots are preserved for standalone games.

This order arises amid rising worries that the expanded College Football Playoff format might interfere with the traditional scheduling of the Army-Navy game, which has taken place on the second Saturday of December since 2009.

The storied rivalry, which began in 1890, has been an annual event since 1930, attracting around 7 to 8 million viewers and making it one of the most-watched regular season games in college football. The current broadcasting agreement with CBS Sports lasts until 2038.

Trump, who frequently attended Army-Navy games during his presidency, framed this initiative as a patriotic act. He shared on social media in January, “Under my administration, the second Saturday in December is for Army and Navy, and only Army and Navy!”

This executive order reflects the administration’s commitment to maintaining the game’s independent tradition, as encapsulated by the phrase “sing second.”