President-elect Donald Trump made a grand entrance at Washington’s hometown stadium for the annual Army-Navy football game, accompanied by key allies who are set to join his inner circle as he prepares to return to the White House next month.
Among those in attendance in the box seats with Trump were Vice President-elect JD Vance, along with his picks for director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard; secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth; and national security adviser, Mike Waltz. Also present was Elon Musk, who has been selected by Trump to establish a Department of Government Efficiency alongside Vivek Ramaswamy.
Notably, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a former adversary of Trump who has now become an ally, was also at the game. There were reports that Trump had considered DeSantis as a backup choice for defense secretary if Hegseth’s Senate confirmation did not go through smoothly.
In a touching gesture, Marine Corps veteran Daniel Penny, who was recently acquitted of homicide charges after a tragic incident, attended the game at Vance’s invitation. This display of camaraderie and support for veterans was a poignant moment at the event.
This was not the first time Trump had attended the Army-Navy football game. He had also been present at the iconic matchup between West Point’s Black Knights and Annapolis’ Midshipmen in 2016, both as president-elect and during his first term in office.
Despite facing criticism for his remarks about the military and veterans, Trump has garnered significant support from the military community. According to Pew Research, veterans overwhelmingly favored Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, reflecting the conservative leanings of the military.
Prior to the game, the Federal Aviation Administration implemented a ban on drones in the vicinity of the stadium due to reported sightings of drones in the Northeast. There were unfounded claims suggesting that the drones were linked to an “Iranian mothership,” a notion that the Pentagon swiftly refuted. Trump had even suggested shooting down the drones the day before.
As the game unfolded, Trump and his allies enjoyed the spirited competition between the Army and Navy teams, showcasing a sense of unity and camaraderie that transcended politics. The event served as a reminder of the respect and admiration for the military that is deeply ingrained in American culture.
In conclusion, the Army-Navy football game was not just a sporting event but a symbol of national pride and solidarity, bringing together leaders and veterans in a shared celebration of the country’s military heritage.
