Trump orders ‘exclusive window’ for annual Army-Navy football game

The annual Army-Navy football game is going exclusive.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order Friday to establish an “an exclusive window for the Army-Navy Game, during which no other college football game is broadcast.”

The order comes as the College Football Playoff has expanded from four to 12 teams, with the possibility of adding more teams to the mix, creating a schedule that continues to push further back into December and “threatens to encroach” on the annual Army-Navy game, traditionally held on the second Saturday of the month.

President Donald Trump (C) greets players after the coin toss and before the start of the 126th Army-Navy Game. Getty Images

“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,” the order reads. “Accordingly, it is the policy of the United States that no college football game, specifically college football’s CFP or other postseason games, be broadcast in a manner that directly conflicts with the Army‑Navy Game.”

Navy’s 17-16 win for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy last year was broadcast at the same time as the LA Bowl between Washington and Boise State, though the matchup between the service academies normally has its own time slot, per CBS Sports.

The CFP committee will now have to work with the NCAA and the FCC to establish the exclusive four-hour window for the game.

Trump first announced he was planning to issue the EO in January.

“The Army-Navy Game is one of our Greatest American Traditions — Unmatched Patriotism, Courage, and Honor!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This incredible Tradition is now at risk of being pushed aside by more College Playoff Games, and Big TV Money. NOT ANYMORE!

President Donald Trump speaks during the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy presentation with the Navy Midshipmen football team in the East Room of the White House, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Washington. AP

“On the field, they are rivals, but on the battlefield they are America’s unstoppable Patriots, defending our Country with tremendous Strength and Heart. We must protect the Tradition, and the Players, who protect us. Please let this serve as Notice to ALL Television Networks, Stations, and Outlets. God Bless America, and God Bless our great Army-Navy Game!!!”

The 2026 game, slated for Dec. 12, 2026, at MeLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., will be the 127th incarnation of the game.

With its 2025 win, Navy holds a 64-55-7 all-time edge.

The game features plenty of traditions between the Black Knights and Midshipmen, with a “Prisoner Exchange” of cadets and midshipmen being returned to their academies after a semester with the other.

Both sides come together to sing their alma maters as well, with the losing team going first, as the winners stand behind them as a show of respect.