President Donald Trump received a hero’s welcome Saturday at the annual Army–Navy football game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, where he participated in pregame ceremonies by tossing the coin to determine the opening kickoff.
As Trump was introduced on the field ahead of the toss, those in attendance responded with sustained cheers.
Head referee Tim Rich addressed the president directly, thanking him for his “leadership and… continued support of our servicemembers and our veterans,” and added, “It’s an honor to have you here today.”
Trump responded briefly, telling the crowd it was a “great honor” for him to attend the historic rivalry game.
Army called tails on the coin toss and won with the president’s flip.
The Black Knights elected to kick off, choosing to receive the ball to start the second half.
Following the toss, Trump shook hands with the captains from both Army and Navy. The opening ceremonies also included a flyover and the national anthem.
At halftime, with Army leading Navy 13–7, Trump crossed the field to spend time with both groups of cadets and shipmen, making a point to divide his attention equally between the two academies.
Trump has a long-standing tradition of attending the Army–Navy game, both as president and as president-elect.
He previously attended the annual matchup in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2024.
At last year’s game, Trump was accompanied by then–Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, and the two met with Daniel Penny at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
The president had announced his plans to attend this year’s contest during a Thanksgiving call with U.S. troops.
During that call, Army Sgt. Major Anderson asked Trump which team he would wager on if he were forced to place a bet on the outcome.
“That’s a terrible question!”
Trump joked in response.
“He’ll get me in so much trouble.”
Trump went on to explain that he planned to attend the game before offering a lighthearted comment about the teams’ performances.
“But I’ll tell you what I will do, I’ll be going… One of those teams is having a spectacular year…They’re both doing well, but I’ll be at the game, and I’m going to let you know right after the game who’s going to win,” he said.
The Army–Navy rivalry is one of the longest-running traditions in college football, dating back to 1890.
Navy currently holds the all-time series advantage, leading Army 62–55 overall. In recent years, however, Army has found more success on the field, winning six of the last ten matchups between the two service academies.
Saturday’s game continued that tradition, blending football with military ceremony and pageantry, while placing the president at the center of pregame and halftime events as the academies faced off once again before a national audience.
