Staff Reports
The annual Army-Navy football game routinely promises a spectacle of military pride and American tradition, but this year’s event managed to raise the bar, serving up a feast of political grandeur that was hard to ignore. The 125th meeting of these two historic academies unfolded with a star-studded entourage, including President-elect Donald Trump, Vice-President-elect JD Vance, potential Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Marine veteran Daniel Penny, all gathered at Northwest Stadium for an epic showdown.
This celebration of camaraderie and competition attracted a roster of notable figures, many of whom are staunch supporters of Trump. Among the crowd in the presidential box were key players of Trump’s prospective national security lineup. The presence of names like DNI nominee Tulsi Gabbard and House Speaker Mike Johnson set the scene for an electrifying atmosphere, proving that political allies can mix with military valor on the gridiron.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: President Trump waves to a warm and enthusiastic crowd at this weekend's Army-Navy game.
He was joined by powerhouses like J.D. Vance, Pete Hegseth, Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Daniel Penny.
FUN! pic.twitter.com/uOM8qQXjcK
— Resist the Mainstream (@ResisttheMS) December 16, 2024
Adding to the spectacle was tech mogul and Trump ally Elon Musk, who has taken on a new role in the proposed Department of Government Efficiency. Also in the box was Penny, who recently made headlines after his acquittal in the controversial subway incident involving Jordan Neely. When the crowd caught wind of Trump’s presence, a chorus of “USA, USA!” erupted, echoing the patriotic fervor that defines this iconic tradition.
As for the game itself, the Midshipmen emerged victorious, primarily due to quarterback Blake Horvath’s impressive performance, leaving the Black Knights wondering what went wrong. But amid the triumph on the field, one glaring absence stole the spotlight: President Joe Biden. Despite his self-proclaimed love for sports, Biden has skipped every Army-Navy game since assuming the presidency, a trend that has not gone unnoticed. The game, held not far from the White House, was yet another opportunity missed as critiques rolled in from both sides of the aisle about his absence.
Responses to Biden’s no-show ranged from bewildered to scathing, with some commentators suggesting that the President’s continued avoidance of this time-honored event signifies a larger pattern of weakness and disengagement from the American spirit. The president’s absence prompted speculation that he might be dodging potential boos from the audience, making his absence from this classic military encounter particularly conspicuous. While some might argue it’s just a game, it highlights a deeper divide in leadership styles and national pride.
Trump’s entourage represented a returning sense of strength and commitment to American ideals. As discussions about nominees like Hegseth unfold, the fervor from Saturday’s attendees indicates a yearning among many Americans for the leadership that embraces military tradition and public spirit. While the future composition of Trump’s administration remains uncertain, the enthusiasm shown at the Army-Navy game suggests that a significant portion of the population is eager for a renewed commitment to the values that have historically defined American success.
