Trump Attends Army-Navy Football Game, Sidesteps Choosing a Side

President Donald Trump attended the annual Army-Navy football game on December 13. The event was held at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. This marked his sixth time attending the storied rivalry as president or president-elect.

The Commander-in-Chief maintained a diplomatic stance ahead of the contest. He cleverly avoided declaring support for either military academy. His attendance continues a long tradition of presidential presence at the iconic game.

A Presidential Tradition of Neutrality

Trump confirmed his plans during a Thanksgiving call with service members. A reporter asked then if he would wager on Army or Navy. According to USA Today, Trump called it a “terrible question” that would get him in trouble.

On game day, he posted on his Truth Social platform. He said he was getting ready to land at Fort McHenry. He noted everyone was asking which team he supported.

His answer was a firm refusal to pick a side. “You must be joking if you think I’m going to give you that answer!,” he wrote. This neutral position is practical for a president leading both branches of the military.

Historical Context of the Rivalry

The Army-Navy game is a staple of the college football calendar. The rivalry dates back more than a century. Presidents have been attending since Theodore Roosevelt went in 1901.

Ten U.S. presidents have attended the game since then. Four of the last five presidents attended at least once while in office. The sole recent exception was President Joe Biden.

Biden performed the ceremonial coin toss in 2012 as Vice President. He did not attend the game during his own presidential term. Trump’s attendance highlights the event’s enduring symbolic importance.

The game is unique in American sports. Players from both teams will ultimately serve together. Their shared mission is defending the United States.

The Army-Navy game remains a powerful symbol of national unity. President Trump’s attendance reinforces this tradition. His neutral support for both teams underscores the commander-in-chief’s role for all service members.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: How many times has Trump attended the Army-Navy game?

This was his sixth attendance. He previously went to the games in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2024 as president or president-elect.

Q2: Which president started the tradition of attending?

Theodore Roosevelt attended in 1901. This began the tradition of presidential attendance at the historic rivalry game.

Q3: Where was the 2025 Army-Navy game held?

The 2025 matchup took place in Baltimore. The specific venue was M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL‘s Ravens.

Q4: Did President Biden ever attend the game?

Joe Biden did not attend as president. He performed the coin toss as Vice President in 2012 but did not go during his own term.

Q5: Why is it significant for the president to attend?

The president is the commander-in-chief of all U.S. military branches. Attending but not choosing a side shows support for both the Army and Navy equally.