Full Breakdown
Trump Issues Executive Order to Protect Army-Navy Game Broadcast
3/23/2026, 2:40:48 PM
Executive Order Overview
On March 22, 2023, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at preserving the exclusive television broadcast window for the Army-Navy football game, traditionally held on the second Saturday of December. This directive seeks to prevent any scheduling conflicts with the College Football Playoff (CFP) and other postseason games that could detract from the significance of the Army-Navy rivalry, which has been played annually since 1930.
Implications of College Football Playoff Expansion
The executive order comes in response to discussions regarding the potential expansion of the CFP from its current 12-team format to as many as 24 teams. Such an expansion would necessitate additional rounds of playoff games, which could coincide with the Army-Navy game. The current scheduling has the first round of the CFP occurring the weekend following the Army-Navy matchup, but future changes could disrupt this arrangement. Trump's order emphasizes that scheduling conflicts "weaken the national focus on our Military Service Academies" and undermine a morale-building event of vital interest to the Department of War.
Historical Context
The Army-Navy game has been a staple of American college football since 1930, with 126 meetings to date. Historically, the game was played in late November or early December, but it was moved to the second weekend of December in 2009 to avoid conflicts with conference championship games and to enhance television viewership. This timing also coincides with the final Saturday of the NFL season when no games are scheduled, as mandated by the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961.
Official Statements & Responses
Tom Theodorakis, the athletic director for Army, expressed gratitude for Trump's leadership, stating, "We're grateful for the president's leadership and for everyone working to protect, preserve, and unite around America's game and the values it stands for." Tim Pernetti, commissioner of the American Conference, echoed this sentiment, calling the executive order a "historic" step to protect a cherished national tradition.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the support from some officials, the enforceability of Trump's executive order remains uncertain. Executive orders primarily serve as guidance for federal agencies and do not carry the weight of law. Critics may question the practicality of enforcing such a directive, especially given the complexities of college football scheduling and the interests of various stakeholders involved in the CFP.
Upcoming Events
The 2023 Army-Navy game is scheduled for December 12 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The first round of CFP games is set for December 18-19, highlighting the potential scheduling conflict that Trump's order aims to mitigate.
Verbatim Quotes
“Such scheduling conflicts weaken the national focus on our Military Service Academies and detract from a morale-building event of vital interest to the Department of War,” — President Donald Trump
“Said Pernetti: "The American Conference is deeply grateful to President Trump for his strong leadership in issuing the historic executive order to preserve America's Game.” — Tim Pernetti, American Conference Commissioner
