Last week, Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at preserving the tradition of the annual Army–Navy Game by ensuring it remains a standalone event on the college football calendar. The move is intended to highlight one of the sport’s most historic matchups and prevent scheduling conflicts that could divide national attention.
The order calls for an exclusive broadcast window for the game, which is played between the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Traditionally held on the second Saturday in December, the game has occasionally faced competition from College Football Playoff matchups and other postseason contests in recent years.
According to a White House statement titled “Preserving America’s Game,” such scheduling conflicts “weaken the national focus on our Military Service Academies and detract from a morale-building event of vital interest.” The policy directs that no major college football broadcasts, including those tied to the College Football Playoff, should directly compete with the Army–Navy Game.
To support the initiative, the executive order instructs the Federal Communications Commission and the United States Department of Commerce to work alongside the National Collegiate Athletic Association, College Football Playoff officials, and television networks to avoid overlapping game times.
“Nobody’s going to play football for four hours during that very special time of the year,” Trump said prior to signing the order. “It’s preserved forever for the Army–Navy game.” He acknowledged potential legal challenges, adding, “Of course, we’ll probably get sued at some point.” The president was joined by midshipmen from the Naval Academy during the signing ceremony.
Coaches and athletic leaders from both academies welcomed the decision. Navy head coach Brian Newberry praised the effort, calling the game “a game with a soul.” Meanwhile, Army Athletic Director Tom Theodorakis expressed appreciation for the focus on preserving the event’s legacy.
First played in 1930, the Army–Navy Game remains one of college football’s most storied traditions. Currently broadcast by CBS Sports through 2038, the game continues to draw national attention as a celebration of service, rivalry, and tradition.
With this new directive, officials hope the game will continue to stand alone, allowing fans across the country to fully embrace one of the most meaningful events in American sports.