Donald Trump said he plans to sign an executive order designed to protect the annual Army-Navy Game from competing football broadcasts. The president framed the move around defending of one of the nation’s most enduring traditions.
In a post Saturday night on his Truth Social account, Trump said the second Saturday in December “belongs to Army-Navy, and ONLY Army-Navy,” pledging an exclusive four-hour television window for the game. He criticized what he called growing pressure from expanded postseason schedules and television interests, writing that the rivalry’s “unmatched patriotism, courage, and honor” should not be overshadowed by other college football events.
The most recent Army-Navy meeting was played Dec. 13, when Navy rallied for a 17-16 victory. That game kicked off at 3 p.m. ET, overlapping with the LA Bowl, which began 30 minutes later and featured Washington defeating Boise State 38-10.
For decades, the rivalry has typically stood alone on the college football calendar, a rarity in an increasingly crowded postseason landscape. CBS Sports has broadcast the game since 1996 and holds the rights through 2038.
MORE: Carson Beck goes viral for roasting reporter who asked about going to class
Trump’s statement did not spell out whether the proposed order would apply beyond football or affect other sports scheduled in early December. However, his reference to postseason games comes as leaders debate future formats for the College Football Playoff.
Amid CFP expansion negotiations that may impact the Army-Navy game, Donald Trump says he will sign an executive order to grant the game an exclusive 4-hour window.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 18, 2026
Discussions over a 16-team CFP feature two play-in games - seeds 16 vs 13 & 15 vs 14 - on the day of Army-Navy. Pic.twitter.com/Gz1e6eycAx
Some expansion proposals, including models with up to 24 teams, have included ideas that could shift the Army-Navy date or place CFP play-in games on the same weekend.
More: Matt Leinart posts emotional reaction to major life event: 'I am not okay'
Executive orders carry the force of law within the executive branch and can remain in effect beyond a president’s term, though they may be altered or revoked by successors. Trump has relied heavily on them since returning to office in January 2025.
The Army-Navy series began in 1890 and has been played annually, without interruption, since 1930. Navy leads the all-time series 64-55-7. Trump attended the most recent game. He was the first sitting president to do so was Theodore Roosevelt in 1901.
Trump’s comments arrive as college football leaders remain divided on CFP expansion. For now, changes to the sport’s postseason could ripple into one of its most historic events.
More college football news:
- Dan Lanning rips College Football Playoff, calls for major changes
- Demond Williams bombshell could have resulted in Lane Kiffin being fired by LSU
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Top 2026 NFL Draft prospect suffers broken rib in CFP quarterfinal loss