Trump Signs Executive Order to Preserve Army-Navy Game
On Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Preserve America’s Game,” promising to maintain the Army-Navy game as a unique fixture in the college football calendar.
This signing took place during a ceremony at the White House, where the president celebrated the Commander-in-Chief Trophy, awarded to either the Army, Navy, or Air Force for achieving a 2-0 record against other teams during the season.
Not everyone welcomed this move, however. Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith expressed his frustration during a segment on Mad Dog Sports Radio.
“I’m really upset about the president saying things like this, and it feels like he’s interfering in matters that should remain separate from the presidency,” Smith remarked, adding that he found the situation maddening. “It’s like, who does he think he is? If the Army-Navy game is broadcasting on NBC, should that exclude FOX and CBS from showing anything else?” He questioned why people shouldn’t have options beyond just watching this particular game.
In a recent December match, Navy triumphed over Army in a nail-biting 17-16 game, clinching the Commander in Chief Trophy and achieving an impressive 11-2 record.
Trump had previously declared his intentions for this executive order in a January post on Truth Social, arguing that the game’s tradition was threatened by the growing number of college playoff games and the accompanying television revenue.
He stated, “This special event in December needs protection. No other matchups, like Ohio State against Notre Dame or LSU against Alabama, should interfere with the Army-Navy game. It deserves its own time.” He also humorously suggested that the order might lead to legal challenges, but expressed confidence in the outcome of any lawsuits.
The Army-Navy game is typically played during a quiet period in the college football calendar, sandwiched between conference championships and the commencement of a potential 12-team playoff system. Currently, CBS holds the broadcasting rights for these events until 2038.
In a world where sports and politics intertwine more than ever, Trump’s directive is sure to spark discussions, particularly among fans and commentators who may disagree with government involvement in sporting events.
