President-elect Donald Trump joined a star-studded crowd at the Army-Navy football game on Saturday, creating a buzz both on and off the field. The game, held at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland—just a short drive from the White House—saw the soon-to-be 47th president surrounded by a powerhouse entourage.
Trump’s suite was packed with big names, including Vice President-elect JD Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson, incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune, billionaire Elon Musk, Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, and Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence. Also present was Daniel Penny, the former Marine recently acquitted in a high-profile subway case. Penny attended as a guest of Vance.
On the field, the Navy Midshipmen outplayed the Army Black Knights with a decisive 31-13 victory. Navy’s quarterback, Blake Horvath, delivered an unforgettable performance, throwing for two touchdowns and running for two more. The win boosted Navy’s record to 9-3, while Army, despite an otherwise stellar season, fell to 11-2. Both teams have earned spots in bowl games, with Navy heading to the Armed Forces Bowl to face Oklahoma, and Army awaiting a new opponent for the Independence Bowl after Marshall dropped out.
While the game was a highlight for sports fans, the VIP guests stole much of the spotlight. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Navy veteran, was spotted on the sidelines. Rumors have swirled that he might step in as Secretary of Defense if Hegseth’s confirmation hits any snags. Meanwhile, Trump saluted alongside service members during the national anthem, a moment that drew cheers from the crowd.
This marked Trump’s sixth Army-Navy game appearance since 2016 and his first since 2020. During his presidency, he often took part in pregame ceremonies, including the coin toss. His presence has become a tradition at this historic rivalry game, which has long been a symbol of unity and respect between the military academies.
For the first time in years, both Army and Navy entered the game with a combined 19 wins. Army had already clinched its first American Athletic Conference title earlier this month with a victory over Tulane, but Saturday’s matchup had even more on the line. The winner would claim the prestigious Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy, awarded to the military academy with the best record in games against its rivals.
Off the field, Daniel Penny’s appearance was a major talking point. Penny, a former Marine, was recently acquitted in a racially charged trial stemming from the death of Jordan Neely in a New York City subway incident. Penny had been accused of using a fatal chokehold but was found not guilty after the jury determined he acted in defense of other passengers. His invite to the game added another layer of intrigue to the day.
For fans, the Army-Navy game is more than just football—it’s a celebration of tradition, service, and rivalry. And with Trump back in the mix, it’s clear that this year’s game was about much more than just the score.
