Trump Signs Executive Order for Army-Navy Game

On Friday, President Donald Trump signed the “Save America’s Game” executive order, ensuring that the Army-Navy football game remains a standalone event in college football. This move was announced during a visit to the White House, where he was celebrating the Navy Midshipmen’s victory in the Commander-in-Chief Trophy, awarded to the military academy that wins two games against the other services during the season.

Stephen A. Smith did not hold back his disapproval of the order. On his show on Mad Dog Sports Radio, he expressed his frustration, saying, “Speaking like this from the president of the United States disgusts me. And he’s sticking his nose in a place that I don’t believe a president should.” Smith further questioned Trump’s authority, asking, “Who the hell does this guy think he is?” He seemed particularly annoyed by the idea that other networks would have to rearrange their programming to give way to the Army-Navy game, stating that the decision shouldn’t dictate what people watch.

Trump emphasized the importance of the Army-Navy game, calling it a historically significant event that deserves its own special time without competition from other games. “I’m going to sign an executive order to save just the second Saturday in December,” he said. He noted that no other major college football matchups should take place at that time, aiming to dedicate it exclusively to the Army-Navy game.

In a playful remark, Trump acknowledged that the executive order might lead to legal challenges, confidently stating, “Of course we’re going to get sued someday, but we can win those lawsuits.” The Army-Navy game is set to be broadcast on CBS until 2038, and according to the current timetable, it will occur between conference championships and the first week of the new 12-team playoff format, although any expansion could push it earlier.

This past December, Navy won a heart-stopping 17-16 game against Army, ultimately capturing the Commander-in-Chief Trophy in what had been a remarkable season for the Midshipmen.

In January, Trump had hinted at this executive order in a post on Truth Social, stating that the tradition of the Army-Navy game was threatened by an increase in college playoff games and television revenues. “No more!” he declared.