LANDOVER, Md. — President-elect Donald Trump engaged with supporters and Republican figures during Saturday’s Army-Navy football game, which is celebrated as one of the greatest rivalries in college athletics. He took this opportunity to showcase the members of his upcoming national security team while enjoying the thrill of the game in which Navy triumphed over Army 31-13 in their 125th meeting.
In the presidential suite, Trump was accompanied by Vice President-elect JD Vance, controversial Pentagon nominee Pete Hegseth, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has been suggested as a potential alternate for the defense secretary role. Among the guests was Daniel Penny, a military veteran who was recently acquitted of charges related to the chokehold death of subway rider Jordan Neely. Vance had invited Penny, emphasizing that the legal proceedings against him were an attempt to unfairly damage his reputation.
Arriving at the stadium just before the game commenced, Trump received a warm welcome from fans who erupted into applause when he, Vance, and Elon Musk appeared on the video screen. Expressing his gratitude, Trump mouthed “thank you,” prompting chants of “USA, USA!” from the crowd. This event marked one of many public appearances for Trump as he prepares for his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Recently, he and Vance rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange after Trump was recognized as Time magazine’s Person of the Year.
Following the election on November 5, Trump spent time at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, working on assembling a team for his administration. His aides appear optimistic about Hegseth’s likelihood of Senate confirmation despite previous controversies surrounding his behavior and public statements. DeSantis remains a point of consideration should Hegseth’s nomination falter.
Saturday’s game served as a platform for Trump to demonstrate his backing of Hegseth, who stood alongside Trump and Vance during the national anthem. The atmosphere at the game was festive, as Hegseth, alongside other Army veterans including Rep. Mike Waltz and Trump nominee Tulsi Gabbard, shared a video on social media, showcasing their documented loyalty. Waltz, a former Army officer, humorously remarked, “We love our Navy, except today,” while Gabbard enthusiastically added, “Go Army!”
The gathering also included conversations with high-ranking military officials like Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, whose status may be uncertain in the upcoming administration. Appointed by President Biden for a four-year term, Brown’s position as the nation’s top military officer is subject to the whims of the incoming president. Known for his open discussions about racial bias in the military following the George Floyd incident, Brown may face challenges regarding his stance on diversity programs, especially given Hegseth’s criticisms of what he perceives as a “woke” agenda.
Furthermore, Trump utilized the occasion to connect with Republican lawmakers necessary to advance his agenda in Congress. Among those present was House Speaker Mike Johnson, who was seen discussing potential legislative strategies with Trump ahead of the Republican-led Congress next year. Johnson arrived with other prominent GOP members, including incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune and newly elected Senator from Pennsylvania, David McCormick.
Vance brought Daniel Penny as his guest to the game; Penny was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide regarding the subway incident after a judge dismissed a more grave charge due to a jury’s inability to reach a consensus. This case has sparked discussions around issues of racial justice, homelessness, and mental health, all of which Neely had grappled with during his life.
“Daniel’s a good guy, and New York’s mob district attorney tried to ruin his life for having a backbone,” Vance wrote on social media the day before the game. He expressed gratitude for Penny’s attendance, hoping he could enjoy the event and recognize the admiration and support he has received from fellow citizens.
