Trump Orders Network 'Protection' For Army-Navy Football

President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order aimed at preventing other college football games from airing at the same time as the annual Army–Navy Game, a move intended to preserve the event’s exclusive television window but one he acknowledged could face legal challenges.

According to The Washington Post, the order was signed at the White House as Trump presented the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy to the Navy Midshipmen football. The trophy is awarded to the winner of games among the U.S. service academies, including Army Black Knights football, Navy, and Air Force. The Army–Navy game is traditionally played on the second Saturday in December, a time slot long reserved as a standalone national showcase.

Trump said the measure would ensure no competing games are broadcast during that window, declaring the matchup “preserved forever,” while also conceding, “we’ll probably get sued at some point.” Legal experts quickly raised concerns about the order’s constitutionality, pointing to potential conflicts with the First Amendment and existing broadcast regulations.

The move comes as college football leaders consider expanding the College Football Playoff, with some proposals suggesting scheduling changes that could place other games against the Army–Navy broadcast or shift it to a different day. Supporters of the rivalry have pushed back, arguing the game’s standalone status is central to its tradition and national significance.

The Army–Navy game has long been a major television draw, airing on CBS since 1996 and consistently delivering strong ratings. Trump, who has attended the game regularly, previously previewed the order on social media, framing it as a patriotic effort to protect a uniquely American sports tradition.