Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti Thanks Trump for Army-Navy Game Executive Order
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American Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti praised President Donald Trump after Trump signed an executive order to protect the exclusive broadcast window for the annual Army-Navy football game.
Pernetti expressed the conference’s “deep gratitude” for the request.
“The American Conference is deeply grateful to President Trump for his strong leadership in issuing the historic executive order to preserve America’s Game,” Pernetti said in a statement.
“This is a significant step that protects a cherished national tradition and reinforces what makes the Army-Navy Game so special for our country.
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President Donald Trump holds a signed executive order during the presentation of the Commander in Chief Trophy with the Navy Midshipmen football team in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, March 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
“The Army-Navy Game represents much more than football. It honors our service academies, highlights the character and commitment of our future leaders, and unites Americans around values that matter deeply, including service and sacrifice.
“This executive order is a positive step for the sport, for our service academies and for the lasting legacy of the America’s Game. We are proud to be part of the team working to protect it.”
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President Donald Trump is escorted onto the field to participate in the ceremonial coin toss before the start of an Army-Navy game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Dec. 13, 2025. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP Photo)
Trump signed the order Friday while presenting the Commander in Chief’s Trophy to the Navy football team in the East Room of the White House. The order directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Commerce to coordinate with relevant parties, including the NCAA, the College Football Playoff (CFP), and broadcast partners, to secure an exclusive broadcast window for the independent game.
The executive order came amid growing concerns that an expanding college football playoff schedule could encroach on the traditional date of the game, which since 2009 has been played exclusively on the second Saturday in December.
The classic rivalry, first played in 1890, has been played annually since 1930 and typically draws between 7 and 8 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched regular-season games in college football. The current television deal with News Sports extends through 2038.
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President Donald Trump tosses a coin before an Army-Navy game in Baltimore on Dec. 13, 2025. (Alex Wroblewski/News via Getty Images)
Trump, who has attended multiple Army-Navy games as president, framed the move in January as an act of patriotism, writing on social media: “Under my administration, the second Saturday in December belongs to the Army and Navy, and ONLY the Army and Navy!”
As college football’s postseason structure continues to evolve, this executive order signals a significant commitment by the administration to maintaining the independent greatness of a matchup defined by the phrase “sing second.”
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Jackson Thompson is a sports reporter for News Digital covering critical political and cultural issues in sports, with an investigative lens. Jackson’s reporting has been cited in federal government actions related to Title IX enforcement and in legacy media outlets, including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The News and ESPN.com.