Trump Army-Navy game/ Daniel Penny/ Pete Hegseth confirmation/ JD Vance/ GOP plans/ Army vs. Navy 2024/ WASHINGTON/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Donald Trump will attend the Army-Navy football game Saturday with Vice President-elect JD Vance, Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, and others, spotlighting his national security team. Marine veteran Daniel Penny, recently acquitted in a high-profile case, will also join Trump’s suite as a guest of Vance.
Army-Navy Game: Quick Looks
- Trump’s Attendance: President-elect Trump will watch the game with key allies and nominees, continuing a tradition he started in 2016.
- Daniel Penny Invited: Acquitted Marine veteran Daniel Penny was invited by VP-elect JD Vance.
- Defense Secretary Drama: Embattled nominee Pete Hegseth’s confirmation chances remain a focal point.
- GOP Power Meeting: House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican lawmakers will discuss plans with Trump ahead of his January inauguration.
- Historic Matchup: Army enters the game ranked 19th after winning its first-ever conference title; Navy seeks redemption.
Trump, Vance, and DeSantis Join Forces at Army-Navy Matchup
Deep Look
Trump at the Army-Navy Game
President-elect Donald Trump will attend Saturday’s 125th Army-Navy game, using the storied football rivalry as a backdrop to showcase his national security priorities and political alliances. Trump, a frequent attendee of the game during his previous terms, will sit alongside Vice President-elect JD Vance, controversial Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Trump has increased his public appearances as his inauguration on January 20, 2025, approaches. Earlier this week, he rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange and was named Time magazine’s Person of the Year.
Daniel Penny Joins the Suite
Marine veteran Daniel Penny, recently acquitted in the 2023 subway chokehold death of Jordan Neely, will join Trump’s suite. Penny was invited by Vance, who has been a vocal supporter of the former Marine.
“Daniel’s a good guy, and New York’s mob district attorney tried to ruin his life for having a backbone,” Vance wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Penny’s case, which touched on issues of racial justice, homelessness, and mental health, has made him a prominent conservative figure.
Hegseth’s 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, senior Trump adviser Jason Miller expressed confidence in a recent interview, describing Hegseth as “battle-tested” and ready to lead the Pentagon.
DeSantis, a former Navy lawyer and one of Trump’s fiercest rivals during the Republican primary, is rumored to be a backup option if Hegseth’s confirmation falters.
GOP Strategy Ahead of 2025
House Speaker Mike Johnson and a contingent of Republican lawmakers will also attend the game, taking the opportunity to discuss legislative plans with Trump. Johnson hinted at a comprehensive package aimed at advancing Republican priorities when the GOP assumes control of all three branches of government in January.
Trump’s Navy and Army Secretary nominees—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 kick off at 3 p.m. EST at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Army (11-1) comes in ranked 19th in the AP Top 25 after winning its first American Athletic Conference title. Navy (8-3) seeks to cap its season with a victory over its historic rival.
For Trump, the game represents more than just football—it’s a chance to project unity within his incoming administration and rally Republican supporters ahead of his presidency’s second chapter.
