Trump Attends Army–Navy Football Game With Key Political Allies

The president-elect acquired a heat reception from the gang after showing on the scoreboard video display.

President-elect Donald Trump attended the Military-Navy soccer sport on Dec. 14 whereas huddling with key political allies.

These becoming a member of Trump for the one hundred and twenty fifth matchup between the storied school sports activities rivalry groups included Vice President-elect JD Vance, Protection Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who’s reportedly a possible backup choose if Hegseth isn’t confirmed by the Senate subsequent 12 months.

In attendance was additionally Daniel Penny, a former U.S. Marine who was invited by Vance. Penny was acquitted final week of negligent murder within the 2023 loss of life of Jordan Neely, after Neely turned agitated on a New York subway. Vance accused prosecutors within the case of attempting to “spoil” the veteran’s life by charging him with Neely’s loss of life.

Trump was greeted warmly by the gang after arriving at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, simply earlier than kickoff. The gang started cheering after Trump, Vance, and Elon Musk, who will lead the president-elect’s new Division of Authorities Effectivity, appeared collectively on the stadium’s scoreboard display. Trump’s group of allies watched the sport from a set.

After Trump mouthed the phrases “thanks,” the gang started chanting “USA, USA!”

Trump attended Military–Navy video games in 2016 and through his first time period. He has more and more made extra public appearances forward of his inauguration subsequent month, and accompanied Vance on Thursday to ring the New York Inventory Alternate opening bell after being named Time Journal’s Particular person of the 12 months.

After profitable the Nov. 5 election, Trump has been working at his Mar-a-Lago resort to assemble the staff that can assist lead his second administration.

Whereas Hegseth has confronted pushback after allegations of sexual assault surfaced quickly after his nomination was introduced, Trump and his allies have appeared hopeful that the Senate will affirm him. Hegseth has denied the assault allegations and stated he regrettably had a consensual affair and has labored arduous to show his life round since.

DeSantis, who’s a former Navy lawyer, is reportedly on the listing of potential substitute nominees if Hegseth’s bid falls flat.

There was a celebratory temper amongst Trump and his allies on Saturday.

Shortly earlier than the sport began, Hegseth and fellow Military veterans Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s director of intelligence nominee, and Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), Trump’s nationwide safety adviser nominee, posted a brief video on X, highlighting their army allegiances for the soccer matchup.

“We love our Navy, besides right this moment,” Waltz stated. He’s a retired Military Nationwide Guard colonel.

Gabbard, a lieutenant colonel within the Military Reserve, stated, “Go Military!”

Home Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was additionally on the sport with Trump. Johnson was accompanied by incoming Senate Majority Chief John Thune and Pennsylvania Sen.-elect David McCormick.

The Related Press contributed to this report.