President-elect Donald Trump will attend the Army-Navy football game Saturday with Vice President-elect JD Vance, Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth and others, featuring his national security team. Navy veteran Daniel Penny, recently acquitted in a high-profile case, will also join Trump’s suite as a guest of Vance.
Army-Navy Match: Quick Previews
- Trump’s presence:President-elect Trump will watch the game with key allies and candidates, continuing a tradition he started in 2016.
- Daniel Penny guest:Acquitted Marine Corps veteran Daniel Penny was invited by Vice President-elect JD Vance.
- Defense Secretary Drama:The chances of confirmation of struggling candidate Pete Hegseth remain a central point.
- GOP power meeting:House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican lawmakers will discuss their plans with Trump before his inauguration in January.
- Historic match:Army enters the game ranked 19th after winning its first-ever conference title; the navy seeks redemption.
Trump, Vance and DeSantis join forces in Army-Navy game
Deep look
Trump at the Army-Navy game
President-elect Donald Trump will attend the 125th Army-Navy game Saturday, using the historic football rivalry as a backdrop to highlight his national security priorities and political alliances. Trump, a regular in the game during his previous terms, will be seated alongside Vice President-elect JD Vance, controversial Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Trump has increased his public appearances in the run-up to his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Earlier this week, he rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange and was named Hour Personality of the year according to the magazine.
Daniel Penny joins the sequel
Marine veteran Daniel Penny, recently acquitted of subway strangulation murder of Jordan Neely in 2023, will join Trump’s retinuePenny was invited by Vance, who has been a strong supporter of the former Marine.
“Daniel is a good guy, and the New York mob prosecutor tried to ruin his life because he had guts,” Vance wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Penny’s case, which touched on issues of racial justice, homelessness and mental health, made him a prominent conservative figure.
Hegseth confirmation in focus
Trump’s pick for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, remains a central topic as he faces allegations of misconduct and controversial views on women in combat. While his confirmation seemed uncertain, Trump senior adviser Jason Miller expressed confidence in a recent interview, describing Hegseth as “seasoned” and ready to lead the Pentagon.
DeSantis, a former Navy lawyer and one of Trump’s fiercest rivals in the Republican primaries, appears to be a backup option if Hegseth’s confirmation fails.
GOP strategy for 2025
House Speaker Mike Johnson and a contingent of Republican lawmakers will also attend the game. He used the opportunity to speak with Trump about his legislative plans. Johnson hinted at a comprehensive package of measures aimed at advancing Republican priorities when the GOP takes control of all three branches of government in January.
Trump’s nominees for secretary of the Navy and Army — John Phelan, a businessman with no military experience, and Iraq war veteran Dan Driscoll, are also expected to attend the game.
The Matchup
The Army-Navy game will tip off at 3 a.m. EST at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Army (11-1) ranks 19th in the AP Top 25 after winning its first American Athletic Conference title. Navy (8-3) looks to cap off its season with a victory over its historic rival.
For Trump, the game represents more than football: It’s an opportunity to project unity within his new administration and rally Republicans. his supporters ahead of the second chapter of his presidency.
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