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Trump to Attend Army-Navy Game with Key Allies
President-elect Donald Trump is set to gather with allies and notable figures at the Army-Navy football game this Saturday. This event not only showcases one of the most storied rivalries in college sports but also serves as a platform to highlight Trump’s emerging national security team.
Trump’s entourage is expected to include Vice President-elect JD Vance, Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, and potential defense backup Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, among others. Business magnate Elon Musk is also anticipated to be in attendance.
An especially controversial guest is Daniel Penny, a military veteran recently acquitted of criminally negligent homicide for the chokehold death of the agitated subway rider Jordan Neely in New York. Vance invited Penny, who has faced significant scrutiny, claiming prosecutors aimed to “ruin” his life with charges related to the incident.
Since his election, Trump has increased his public appearances ahead of his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Recently, he marked a significant occasion by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, accompanied by family and Vance, after being honored as Time magazine’s person of the year.
Following the November 5 election, Trump remained at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, focusing on assembling a capable team for his upcoming administration. His aides are optimistic about Hegseth’s chances for Senate confirmation, although he faced allegations concerning his past, including excessive drinking and inappropriate conduct regarding women in combat.
DeSantis, a former Navy lawyer and previous competitor for the Republican presidential nomination, stands as one of the potential substitutes Trum could consider should Hegseth’s confirmation falter.
Trump’s senior adviser Jason Miller expressed confidence in Hegseth’s confirmation during a Friday interview with Newsmax, stating, “Hegseth has made it through the gauntlet.” He underscored Hegseth’s combat experience as essential for leading the Department of Defense, emphasizing the need for a leader who understands the realities of war.
House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana is also slated to attend the game, bringing a group of GOP lawmakers eager to meet with the incoming president. Johnson aims to discuss a legislative agenda likely to advance through Congress next year with a simple majority, regardless of Democratic opposition.
Vance confirmed on Friday that Penny would be in Trump’s suite on the Army side of the stadium. Penny’s recent legal troubles have sparked discussions around issues of racial justice and systemic failures in addressing homelessness and mental health in New York City.
Vance remarked on X about Penny, stating, “Daniel’s a good guy, and New York’s mob district attorney tried to ruin his life for having a backbone.” He expressed gratitude that Penny accepted the invitation, hoping the event would showcase the public’s support for his courage.
Hegseth intends to spend the day in a suite alongside Medal of Honor recipients, signaling a commitment to honoring military service and sacrifice. Trump’s selections for Navy secretary and Army secretary, John Phelan, a businessman without military experience, and Dan Driscoll, an Iraq War veteran, respectively, are also expected attendees.
The prestigious Army-Navy game, set for kickoff after 3 p.m. EST at Northwest Stadium, home of the NFL’s Washington Commanders, is steeped in tradition, having been held annually since 1930, including during World War II.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has officially declared December 14, 2024, as Army vs. Navy Game Day, stating, “Today is not just about one of the greatest rivalries in college sports – it’s about what brings us together.” His comments reflect the unity and service that characterize both the state and the nation.
This year, Army (11-1) ranks 19th in The Associated Press Top 25 after securing its first-ever conference title, while Navy (8-3) recently claimed a spot in the rankings following a strong start to the season. The game not only celebrates athletic competition but also pays homage to the dedicated service of military members throughout history.
Furthermore, the Army team plans to honor the 101st Airborne Division, which fought heroically against Axis forces during a pivotal battle 80 years ago. The Black Knights’ uniforms are inspired by the historical determination of those soldiers, embodying resilience and bravery that characterizes their legacy.
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