Trump teases crowd with playful answer on Army-Navy game allegiance: 'You must be joking'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump attended the 126th Army-Navy football game on Saturday, December 13, as the long-standing military rivalry returned to Baltimore for the first time in nearly a decade.

The president was present on the field ahead of kickoff at the M&T Bank Stadium, where he stood alongside service members during the national anthem, observed a military flyover, and later participated in the ceremonial coin toss at midfield.

Trump’s appearance continued a tradition that has become familiar during his presidency, with the Commander-in-Chief frequently attending the annual matchup between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy

Ahead of the game, Trump shared a message on Truth Social as he traveled to Maryland, noting that he would land at Fort McHenry before making the short drive to the stadium.

"Getting ready to land at Fort McHenry for my short drive to the Army-Navy Game," Trump wrote. "Everyone is asking who am I supporting, Army or Navy? My answer is: 'You must be joking if you think I’m going to give you that answer!'"

Trump joins pregame ceremonies at historic rivalry

The president arrived on the field surrounded by military officials and event staff. He shook hands and acknowledged players from both teams before the coin toss.

He was greeted with cheers from the crowd as he made his way across the field and later took his seat to watch the game.

The Army-Navy Game marked its return to Baltimore for the first time since 2016. That year’s matchup ended a long Navy winning streak and remains one of the most memorable contests in the rivalry’s modern history.

Saturday’s game determined the winner of the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, awarded annually to the service academy that prevails in the round-robin competition between Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The rivalry between the two academies dates back to 1890, with Saturday’s meeting marking the 126th time the teams have faced each other. Entering the matchup, Navy held a slight edge in the all-time series.

Longstanding presidential presence at the Army-Navy game

Trump attended each year from 2016 through 2020 and returned last year, reinforcing his visible presence at military traditions and ceremonial events.

Trump also attended last year’s game in Landover, Maryland, which Navy won. That appearance included several senior administration officials and public figures, reflecting the game’s significance beyond college football.

This year’s contest carried added significance for both programs, with each team having already secured postseason bowl appearances.

Army entered the game seeking redemption, while Navy looked to defend its recent dominance in the rivalry.

As the game kicked off shortly after 3 pm EST, Trump remained in attendance, observing the contest closely.