President Donald Trump announced over the weekend that he plans to sign an executive order giving the annual Army-Navy football game an exclusive four-hour broadcast window on the second Saturday in December.
The move, he says, is all about protecting one of America’s most storied traditions from being drowned out by the growing college football playoff schedule and what he calls “big TV money.”
In a Truth Social post over the weekend, the President didn’t hold back his thoughts on a game near and dear to his heart.
“The Army-Navy Game is one of our Greatest American Traditions — Unmatched Patriotism, Courage, and Honor! This incredible Tradition is now at risk of being pushed aside by more College Playoff Games and Big TV Money,” he wrote. “NOT ANYMORE!”
“Under my Administration, the second Saturday in December belongs to Army-Navy, and ONLY Army-Navy!” Trump continued. “I will soon sign a Historic Executive Order securing an EXCLUSIVE 4-hour Broadcast window, so this National Event stands above Commercial Postseason Games. No other Game or Team can violate this Time Slot!!!”
President Trump protects America’s game from the greed of the big TV Networks. Every American should watch the Army Navy Game! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/7UI7fSvVUA
— Spence Rogers ✟ (@SpenceRogers) January 18, 2026
Trump Honors Our Heroes by Declaring Army Navy Tradition Stands Alone on Its Historic Date
The planned executive order would lock in a dedicated four-hour slot so no other commercial postseason games could air in direct competition. Trump even framed it as a notice to all television networks, stations, and outlets: no one gets to violate that time slot.
The President explained why this is so important to him. And why it should be important to America.
“On the field, they are rivals, but on the battlefield, they are America’s unstoppable Patriots, defending our Country with tremendous Strength and Heart,” he said. “We must protect the Tradition, and the Players, who protect us. Please let this serve as Notice to ALL Television Networks, Stations, and Outlets.”
“God Bless America, and God Bless our great Army-Navy Game!!!”
Merica’!
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The timing on this isn’t random. Just over a month ago, Trump was on hand in Baltimore for the 126th edition of the rivalry. He flipped the ceremonial coin toss before Navy edged out Army 17-16 in a nail-biter.
That game day already saw some overlap with other college bowl action, including a bowl that kicked off shortly after, and there’s been chatter about the expanded College Football Playoff potentially adding more games around that weekend in future years.
The Army-Navy matchup dates back to 1890 and has long stood apart as a celebration of service academy athletes who will go on to lead in the military.
It’s not your typical high-stakes powerhouse contest—the teams usually aren’t national title contenders—but the pageantry, the mutual respect, and the pre-game traditions (like the march-ons by cadets and midshipmen) make it feel bigger than football.