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President Donald Trump kept his promise to protect the tradition of the annual Army-Navy football game, signing the “Preserving America’s Game” executive order during the Midshipmen’s visit to the White House on Friday.
Navy defeated Army in a thrilling 17-16 victory to capture the Commander in Chief’s Trophy in December during a historic season that saw the program finish 11-2, marking the team’s first consecutive 10-win season in program history.
President Donald Trump holds up a helmet as he speaks during the presentation of the Commander in Chief’s Trophy with the Midshipmen football team in the East Room of the White House in Washington, District of Columbia, March 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
The champions were honored with a visit to the White House, where Trump signed the executive order months after signaling his intention to fight the expansion of the College Football Playoff.
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“The annual Army-Navy game is truly one of the most special occasions in all of sports, but in recent years, the expansion of the College Football Playoff has encroached on this sacred four-hour slot traditionally reserved for Army-Navy,” the president said during his speech Friday.
“I will sign an executive order to ensure that the second Saturday in December is preserved exclusively. No one plays football – not Ohio State vs. Notre Dame, not LSU vs. Alabama – no one plays football for four hours during this very special time of year in December. It is preserved forever for the Army-Navy game.”
Trump joked that the consequences of signing the executive order could result in legal action.
President Donald Trump holds up a signed executive order while presenting the Commander in Chief’s Trophy with the Midshipmen football team in the East Room of the White House in Washington, District of Columbia, March 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
“Of course, we’ll probably get sued at some point. We’ll get sued, but we’ll win those lawsuits, and we’ll win this one.”
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“It’s simply an honor because it’s a very important tradition in our country,” the president continued. “In fact, it goes beyond football. It is a tradition of our country.”
The executive order states that “no college football game, particularly the College Football CFP or other playoff games, shall be broadcast in a manner that directly conflicts with the Army-Navy game.”
Navy head coach Brian Newberry echoed the president’s remarks after signing the order.
“Thank you for signing this executive order and protecting the sanctity of the Army-Navy game. It is a game with soul, and it deserves to be protected. Thank you very much.”
President Donald Trump signs an executive order while presenting the Commander in Chief’s Trophy with the Midshipmen football team in the East Room of the White House in Washington, District of Columbia, March 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Trump first signaled his intention to sign the executive order in a Truth Social article in January, saying at the time: “This incredible tradition is now at risk of being sidelined by more college playoff games and Big TV Money.” MORE MORE!
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The president took a particular interest in college football during his second term. Earlier this month, he held a roundtable discussion with notable officials including NCAA Chairman Charlie Baker, former Alabama football coach Nick Saban, New York Yankees president Randy Levine and each of the Power Four commissioners, among others.
The group met to review solutions to key challenges, including NCAA authority, name, image and likeness (NIL) issues, collective bargaining and governance issues.
