President-elect Donald Trump is expected to attend the 125th Army-Navy football game on December 14 in Landover, Maryland, according to sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The game, one of the most anticipated annual sporting events, will feature the U.S. Military Academy (Army) facing off against the U.S. Naval Academy (Navy), continuing a tradition dating back over a century.
This will not be the first time Trump has attended the historic rivalry. He was present at the Army-Navy game as president-elect in 2016 and has attended three times during his presidency. Trump’s attendance is expected to draw significant attention, as the Army-Navy game is not only a showcase of athletic talent but also a highly regarded tradition in U.S. military culture.
The Army-Navy game has been a symbol of rivalry, tradition, and camaraderie between the two branches of the U.S. military since its inception in 1890. However, it wasn’t until 1901 that a sitting president made an appearance at the event. That year, President Theodore Roosevelt attended the game and, in a gesture of neutrality, split his time between the Army and Navy sides. Roosevelt’s participation set a precedent for future commanders in chief.
While Joe Biden did participate in the 2012 edition while serving as vice president under Barack Obama, he has not attended the game during his presidency.
The Army-Navy game holds significant cultural and symbolic importance, and presidential attendance is often seen as a gesture of respect and support for the nation’s military academies. Commanders in chief have made a point of attending the game to honor the dedication and sacrifice of the young men and women serving in the armed forces. Presidents also use the occasion to reaffirm their commitment to the well-being of the military, showcasing unity and bipartisan support for the men and women in uniform.
