President-elect Donald Trump experienced rousing support as he attended the Army-Navy football game on Saturday, where he mingled with key allies and potential nominees for his incoming administration. The 125th meeting of the storied college football rivals saw Trump alongside Vice President-elect JD Vance, who brought along Daniel Penny, the Marine veteran recently acquitted of criminally negligent homicide. The Navy triumphed over Army with a score of 31-13.
Trump arrived at the game just before the kickoff, receiving cheers from fans who were excited to see him on the scoreboard alongside Elon Musk and Vance. The atmosphere at the game was electrifying, with the crowd chanting "USA, USA!" as Trump expressed his gratitude with a wave and mouthed "thank you" to his supporters.
Having attended the Army-Navy games multiple times during his presidency, including as president-elect back in 2016, Trump’s presence at this year’s matchup showcased his commitment not only to the military but also to the alliances he is forming for his next term. Armed with the experience gleaned over years of public service, Trump has been steadily making public appearances after the election, such as ringing the opening bell for the New York Stock Exchange following being named Time magazine’s person of the year.
Among those accompanying Trump was Pete Hegseth, his controversial choice for defense secretary. Hegseth’s nomination has drawn scrutiny due to allegations ranging from excessive drinking to sexual assault. Yet his attendance at the Army-Navy game aimed to bolster Trump's support for him during this pivotal stretch before final confirmations.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who previously ran against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, was also present at the game, being seen as another potential candidate for defense secretary if Hegseth's nomination falters. The camaraderie displayed between Trump, Vance, and Hegseth during the national anthem was telling of their united front as they responded to the mixed sentiments surrounding Hegseth's future.
The game was not just about football but also served as a platform for Trump to meet Republican lawmakers pivotal to enacting his legislative agenda. House Speaker Mike Johnson and other high-profile GOP figures engaged with him throughout the match. Johnson was seen discussing strategies for pushing through significant legislative packages following the upcoming inauguration next month.
Trump’s strategy to surround himself with familiar faces and bold figures marks his approach as he prepares to tackle the challenges awaiting him as president. This seemed especially evident when Vance brought Daniel Penny to the game. Penny, recently acquitted, became somewhat of a symbol for discussions around law and order as well as racial justice after he was charged following the chokehold death of Jordan Neely last year. Vance’s insistence on having Penny join the suite appears to reflect their collective view on supporting service members, which aligns broadly with the values Trump advocates for.
Backed by his supporters, Trump’s appearance emphasizes his commitment to reshaping military and national security policies. This was particularly significant as he sat with Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, whose future under Trump's administration presents uncertainty due to Trump's past criticisms of diversity and inclusion efforts within the military.
Overall, the Army-Navy game not only served as entertainment but also as a stage for Trump to consolidate power within his party and present his vision for the military and national security moving forward. The event highlighted the potential direction Trump's administration may take, underscored by the unforgettable chants of "USA, USA!" ringing throughout the stadium.
With only weeks until inauguration, questions linger about how Trump's past and new alliances will shape political discourse and decisions at Capitol Hill. The game is just one of many steps as Trump gears up to lead the country once more, determined to orchestrate his comeback story with fervor.
Onward to January 20, 2025, and the next chapter of Trump's presidency, the echoes of the Army-Navy game served as both reminders of tradition and as harbingers of change.