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Why is Donald Trump at the Army-Navy game? President attending rivalry for sixth time
- Story by
- Why is Donald Trump at the Army-Navy game? President attending rivalry for sixth time
The Army-Navy game is a staple of the college football calendar, an event with few, if any, true peers in American sports culture.
The Black Knights and Midshipmen desperately hope to beat one another — it wouldn't be a rivalry without those feelings, right? — and over the course of 60 minutes, blood is shed, crushing tackles are made and bones are occasionally broken with the goal of getting some hard-earned bragging rights over the next 12 months. It all ends, though, with a sense of mutual respect between a group of young men who will all eventually leave school to help defend their country.
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Such a grand stage often comes with some pretty notable visitors – including even the leader of the free world.
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Navy Midshipmen color guard presents the colors during the March On before the game.
(Tommy Gilligan, Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)
U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd-L) walks onto the field for the 126th Army-Navy Game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen at M&T Bank Stadium on December 13, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. The teams are competing for the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy, with President Trump attending the rivalry for the second consecutive year.
(Tasos Katopodis, Getty Images)
Army West Point Black Knights walk in formation during the March On before the game.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
Navy Midshipmen stand in formation before the game.
(Mike Dinovo, Imagn Images)
A view of the field in Baltimore prior to the game.
(Danny Wild, Imagn Images)
A detailed view of Navy ribbons.
(Mike Dinovo, Imagn Images)
Navy Midshipmen react before the game.
(Mike Dinovo, Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images)
The Navy Mascot “Bill The Goat” stands on the field.
(Mike Dinovo, Imagn Images)
Navy Midshipmen spirit team cheers during the March On before the game.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
Navy Midshipmen stand in formation during the March On before the game.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
Army West Point Black Knights stand in formation in front of the color guard.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd-L) walks onto the field for the 126th Army-Navy Game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen at M&T Bank Stadium on December 13, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. The teams are competing for the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy, with President Trump attending the rivalry for the second consecutive year.
(Tasos Katopodis, Getty Images)
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2025 Army-Navy football game features Donald Trump, all the pageantry
Navy Midshipmen color guard presents the colors during the March On before the game.
(Tommy Gilligan, Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)
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2025 Army-Navy football game features Donald Trump, all the pageantry
Navy Midshipmen color guard presents the colors during the March On before the game.
(Tommy Gilligan, Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)
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2025 Army-Navy football game features Donald Trump, all the pageantry
U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd-L) walks onto the field for the 126th Army-Navy Game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen at M&T Bank Stadium on December 13, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. The teams are competing for the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy, with President Trump attending the rivalry for the second consecutive year.
(Tasos Katopodis, Getty Images)
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2025 Army-Navy football game features Donald Trump, all the pageantry
Army West Point Black Knights walk in formation during the March On before the game.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
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2025 Army-Navy football game features Donald Trump, all the pageantry
Navy Midshipmen stand in formation before the game.
(Mike Dinovo, Imagn Images)
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2025 Army-Navy football game features Donald Trump, all the pageantry
A view of the field in Baltimore prior to the game.
(Danny Wild, Imagn Images)
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2025 Army-Navy football game features Donald Trump, all the pageantry
A detailed view of Navy ribbons.
(Mike Dinovo, Imagn Images)
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2025 Army-Navy football game features Donald Trump, all the pageantry
Navy Midshipmen react before the game.
(Mike Dinovo, Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images)
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2025 Army-Navy football game features Donald Trump, all the pageantry
The Navy Mascot “Bill The Goat” stands on the field.
(Mike Dinovo, Imagn Images)
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2025 Army-Navy football game features Donald Trump, all the pageantry
Navy Midshipmen spirit team cheers during the March On before the game.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
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2025 Army-Navy football game features Donald Trump, all the pageantry
Navy Midshipmen stand in formation during the March On before the game.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
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2025 Army-Navy football game features Donald Trump, all the pageantry
Army West Point Black Knights stand in formation in front of the color guard.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
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2025 Army-Navy football game features Donald Trump, all the pageantry
U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd-L) walks onto the field for the 126th Army-Navy Game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen at M&T Bank Stadium on December 13, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. The teams are competing for the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy, with President Trump attending the rivalry for the second consecutive year.
(Tasos Katopodis, Getty Images)
The President of the United States has been a fan and spectator at Army-Navy games for much of the rivalry's history, going all the way back to Theodore Roosevelt in 1901.
This year, that tradition will continue, with President Donald Trump expected to be in attendance for the meeting between the Black Knights and Midshipmen on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Here's what you need to know about Trump's upcoming visit to one of college football's most historic rivalries:
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Will Donald Trump be at the Army-Navy game?
Yes, Donald Trump will be in attendance for the Army-Navy game on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Trump confirmed he would be at the game on a call with service members on Thanksgiving. He was asked on the call whether he'd wager on Army or Navy in the annual matchup.
Donald Trump with Marla Maples at a University of Arizona basketball game at McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona, on Dec. 27, 1990.
A beaming Donald Trump stands between George Foreman and Evander Holyfield at a press conference on Nov. 20, 1990.
(Ray Stubblebine, REUTERS)
Donald Trump and Marla Maples arrive at ringside for the start of the Evander Holyfield and George Foreman title fight on April 19, 1991.
(Gary Hershorn, Reuters)
Developer Donald Trump and Marla Maples enjoy a soda and a hot dog as they watch the action at the U.S. Open on Sept. 28, 1991.
(Ray Stubblebine, Reuters)
Donald Trump, in the stands with his wife Marla Trump, celebrates during Super Bowl XXVI between the Washington Redskins and the Buffalo Bills at the Metrodome on Jan. 26, 1992. The Redskins defeated the Bills, 37-24.
(RVR Photos, USA TODAY Sports)
Marla Maples and then husband Donald Trump greet race driver Lyn St. James prior to the inaugural Indy 200 race at Walt Disney World on Jan. 27, 1996. Buzz Calkins won the race on the new Disney 1.1 mile tri-oval track.
Developer Donald Trump talks with his former wife Ivana Trump during the men's final at the U.S. Open on Sept. 7, 1997. Earlier in the day, Martina Hingis won the women's championship.
(Mike Blake)
Donald Trump and Celina Midelfart watch the match between Conchita Martinez and Amanda Coetzer during U.S. Open play at the USTA National Tennis Center on Sept. 7, 1998.
(Shaun Best)
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, serving as the grand marshal for the Daytona 500, speaks to Donald Trump and an unidentified woman on the starting grid at the Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 14, 1999.
(Reuters file photo)
Donald Trump and talks to an unidentified friend as they watch the U.S. Open final in New York on Sept. 12, 1999
(Kevin Lamarque)
Donald Trump leaves the stage during opening ceremonies at the 2004 Ryder Cup in Detroit on Sept. 16, 2004.
(Al Messerschmidt, WireImage)
Donald Trump carries the Olympic flame during Day 15 of the Athens 2004 Olympic torch relay on June 19, 2004, in New York. The Olympic flame traveled to 34 cities in 27 countries en route to the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
(Bryan Bedder, Getty Images)
Donald Trump watches the action during the third round of the ADT Championship at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006.
(S. Levin, Getty Images)
Donald Trump and actor Gerard Butler watch the tennis match between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic during Day 14 of the 2009 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 13, 2009, in New York.
Donald Trump watches the action on the 17th hole during the final round of the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort and Spa on March 7, 2010, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
(Sam Greenwood, Getty Images)
Regis Philbin and Donald Trump watch as the New York Yankees play against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the Yankees' home opener at Yankee Stadium on April 13, 2010, in New York.
(Chris McGrath, Getty Images)
Amar'e Stoudemire of the New York Knicks talks to Donald Trump prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays on Sept. 23, 2010, at Yankee Stadium in New York.
(Mike Stobe, Getty Images)
Real estate tycoon Donald Trump talks with New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft on the sidelines as the Patriots and the New York Jets warm up prior to their game at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 6, 2010, in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
(Jim Rogash, Getty Images)
Donald Trump settles into his new ride as he is named the 2011 Indy 500 pace car driver for the 100th Anniversary of the Indy 500 at Trump Tower on April 5, 2011, in New York.
(Michael Loccisano)
Donald Trump looks on as Maria Sharapova takes on Heather Watson during Day 1 of the 2011 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Aug. 29, 2011, in New York.
Businessman Donald Trump looks on as athletes from Great Britain, Ireland and the United States walk past during the opening ceremony of the 2011 Walker Cup held on the Balgownie Links at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club on Sept. 9, 2011, in Aberdeen, Scotland.
(Matthew Lewis, Getty Images)
Donald Trump watches as Bubba Watson hits his tee shot on the 12th hole during the second round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship on the TPC Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 9, 2012, in Miami.
(Scott Halleran, Getty Images)
Donald Trump attends the Opening Day game between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on April 5, 2012, in New York.
(Nick Laham, Getty Images)
Donald Trump poses for a photo with fencer Tim Morehouse and tae kwon do athletes Steven Lopez and Diana Lopez during the Team USA Road to London 100 Days Out Celebration in Times Square on April 18, 2012, in New York.
(Jeff Zelevansky)
Donald Trump and television personality Bill O'Reilly attend the MLB game between the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on July 30, 2012, in New York.
(Jim McIsaac, Getty Images)
Donald Trump and Robert Kraft talk before a game between the New England Patriots and New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 21, 2012, in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
(Jim Rogash, Getty Images)
Donald Trump and PGA golfer Justin Rose watch an NBA game between the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Arena on Feb. 10, 2013, in Miami.
(Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images)
Developer Donald Trump looks over the practice ground during the final round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at the Trump Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 10, 2013, in Doral, Florida.
(Scott Halleran, Getty Images)
Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, attend a match between Rafael Nadal and Tommy Robredo at the 2013 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 4, 2013, in New York.
Donald Trump attends 2015 U.S. Open quarterfinals women's singles match between Serena Williams and Venus Williams at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 8, 2015, in New York.
(Stan Honda, AFP via Getty Images)
Donald Trump attends the middleweight championship bout between Gennady Golovkin and Daniel Geale at Madison Square Garden on July 26, 2014.
Presidential candidate Donald Trump walks the course during the final round of The Barclays at Plainfield Country Club on Aug. 30, 2015, in Edison, New Jersey.
(Ross Kinnaird, Getty Images)
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump attend the match between Serena Williams and Venus Williams at the 2015 U.S. Open on Sept. 8, 2015, in New York.
Presidential candidate Donald Trump attends the fight between Gennady Golovkin against David Lemieux bout at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 17, 2015, in New York.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump makes an appearance prior to the start of play during the final round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral Blue Monster Course on March 6, 2016, in Doral, Florida.
(Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images)
President-elect Donald Trump during the first quarter of the 117th annual Army-Navy college football game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Dec. 10, 2016.
President Donald Trump waves during the second round of the U.S. Women's Open Championship at Trump National Golf Course on July 14, 2017, in Bedminster, New Jersey.
President Donald Trump speaks with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan during the final round of the Presidents Cup golf tournament at Liberty National Golf Course on Oct. 1, 2017.
President Donald Trump points to fans prior to the College Football Playoff national championship between Georgia and Alabama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta.
President Donald Trump on the field during the national anthem prior to the College Football Playoff national championship between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta.
(Scott Cunningham, Getty Images)
President Donald Trump walks with Lt. General Darryl Williams and Secretary of the Army Mark Esper during the 119th Army-Navy college football game at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 8, 2018.
(Danny Wild, USA TODAY Sports)
President Donald Trump waves to the crowd during Game 5 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Oct. 27, 2019.
(Brad Mills, USA TODAY Sports)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the college football game between the LSU Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
President Donald Trump participates in the coin toss before the college football game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 14, 2019, in Philadelphia.
(Elsa, Getty Images)
First lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump stand during the national anthem prior to the College Football Playoff national championship game between Clemson and LSU at Mercedes Benz Superdome on Jan. 13, 2020, in New Orleans.
President Donald Trump attends UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 2, 2019.
(Sarah Stier, USA TODAY Sports)
President Donald Trump during the second quarter of the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 14, 2019.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump cheer for the Florida Atlantic University band during the Super Bowl party at International Golf Club on Feb. 2, 2020, in West Palm Beach, Florida.
(Gregg Lovett, Palm Beach Post-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Content Services, LLC)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump stand on pit road for the national anthem as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform a flyover prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 on Feb. 16, 2020.
President Donald Trump and former New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera met with youth baseball players to celebrate Major League Baseball's Opening Day on July 23, 2020.
President Donald Trump walks onto the field before the first half of the Army-Navy college football game at Michie Stadium on Dec. 12, 2020.
(Danny Wild, USA TODAY Sports)
Donald Trump looks on during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021, in Las Vegas.
Former first lady Melania Trump and former President Donald Trump hold up signs for "stand up to cancer" prior to the sixth inning in Game 4 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves on Oct. 30, 2021, in Atlanta.
Donald Trump plays his shot from the 16th tee during the pro-am prior to the LIV Golf invitational at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster on July 28, 2022, in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Then former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd during the NCAA Division I wrestling championships at the BOK Center on March 18, 2023.
Donald Trump attends the fight between Raul Rosas Jr. and Christian Rodriguez during UFC 287 at Miami-Dade Arena on April 8, 2023.
Pat Perez shakes hands with then former President Donald Trump on the 18th green during the first round of the LIV Golf DC 2023 tournament at Trump National Golf Club on May 25, 2023, in Sterling, Virginia.
Donald Trump waves to a supporter while attending the college football game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Iowa Hawkeyes at Jack Trice Stadium on Sept. 9, 2023.
Former President Donald Trump, UFC president Dana White, and Kid Rock pose for a photo during the UFC 295 event at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 11, 2023, in New York.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Former President Donald Trump with South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster during a college football game between the Clemson Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on Nov. 25, 2023.
(Ken Ruinard, USA TODAY Sports)
Donald Trump watches from the stands during the title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval during the UFC 296 event at T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 16, 2023, in Las Vegas.
Donald Trump points to the crowd in the pit lane prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 5, 2024, in Miami.
(Clive Mason, Getty Images)
Then former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump talks with team owner Richard Childress prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26, 2024, in Concord, North Carolina.
Former President Donald Trump talks with UFC president Dana White during the fight between Cesar Almeida and Roman Kopylov during UFC 302 on June 1, 2024.
Republican presidential candidate and then former President Donald Trump raises his fist during the second quarter of the college football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sept. 28, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Former President Donald Trump poses for a photo during the first quarter as the Pittsburgh Steelers play the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium on Oct. 20, 2024.
(Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images)
President-elect Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk watch a fight during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in New York, on Nov. 16, 2024.
(Kena Betancur, AFP via Getty Images)
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones greets President Donald Trump before playing against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9, 2025.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
President Donald Trump and daughter Ivanka Trump with New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9, 2025.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
President Donald Trump is greeted by Zane Smith, driver of the No. 38 Speedy Cash Ford, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the No. 47 SUNNYD Chevrolet, prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 16, 2025.
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and Sen. Dave McCormick watch the action during the Division I men's college wrestling championship held at Wells Fargo Center on March 22, 2025.
(Eric Hartline, Imagn Images)
President Donald Trump sits with Elon Musk and Musk's son as they watch English fighter Paddy Pimblett celebrate winning during UFC 314 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on April 13, 2025.
President Donald Trump attends UFC 316 at the Prudential Center on June 7, 2025, in Newark, New Jersey.
(Elsa, Getty Images)
First lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attend the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 championship match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, on July 13, 2025.
Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy with teammates and President Donald Trump during the award ceremony for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Champions at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025.
President Donald Trump, Karoline Leavitt, Pam Bondi and Jared Kushner stand for the national anthem prior to the men's singles final match between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz on Day 15 of the 2025 US Open on Sept. 7, 2025, in New York.
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in the locker room before a game against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 11, 2025, in New York.
President Donald Trump attends the New York Yankees game against the Detroit Tigers at Yankees Stadium on Sept. 11, 2025, in New York, on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
(Kevin Dietsch, Getty Images)
Nov 9, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; President Donald Trump is interviewed by Fox play-by-play announcer Kenny Albert and analyst Jonathan Vilma during the third quarter of a game between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions at Northwest Stadium.
(Peter Casey-Imagn Images)
President Donald Trump waves at football fans from the team owner’s suite during the first half between the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump with Marla Maples at a University of Arizona basketball game at McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona, on Dec. 27, 1990.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump with Marla Maples at a University of Arizona basketball game at McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona, on Dec. 27, 1990.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
A beaming Donald Trump stands between George Foreman and Evander Holyfield at a press conference on Nov. 20, 1990.
(Ray Stubblebine, REUTERS)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump and Marla Maples arrive at ringside for the start of the Evander Holyfield and George Foreman title fight on April 19, 1991.
(Gary Hershorn, Reuters)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Developer Donald Trump and Marla Maples enjoy a soda and a hot dog as they watch the action at the U.S. Open on Sept. 28, 1991.
(Ray Stubblebine, Reuters)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump, in the stands with his wife Marla Trump, celebrates during Super Bowl XXVI between the Washington Redskins and the Buffalo Bills at the Metrodome on Jan. 26, 1992. The Redskins defeated the Bills, 37-24.
(RVR Photos, USA TODAY Sports)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Marla Maples and then husband Donald Trump greet race driver Lyn St. James prior to the inaugural Indy 200 race at Walt Disney World on Jan. 27, 1996. Buzz Calkins won the race on the new Disney 1.1 mile tri-oval track.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Developer Donald Trump talks with his former wife Ivana Trump during the men's final at the U.S. Open on Sept. 7, 1997. Earlier in the day, Martina Hingis won the women's championship.
(Mike Blake)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump and Celina Midelfart watch the match between Conchita Martinez and Amanda Coetzer during U.S. Open play at the USTA National Tennis Center on Sept. 7, 1998.
(Shaun Best)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, serving as the grand marshal for the Daytona 500, speaks to Donald Trump and an unidentified woman on the starting grid at the Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 14, 1999.
(Reuters file photo)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump and talks to an unidentified friend as they watch the U.S. Open final in New York on Sept. 12, 1999
(Kevin Lamarque)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump leaves the stage during opening ceremonies at the 2004 Ryder Cup in Detroit on Sept. 16, 2004.
(Al Messerschmidt, WireImage)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump carries the Olympic flame during Day 15 of the Athens 2004 Olympic torch relay on June 19, 2004, in New York. The Olympic flame traveled to 34 cities in 27 countries en route to the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
(Bryan Bedder, Getty Images)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump watches the action during the third round of the ADT Championship at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006.
(S. Levin, Getty Images)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump and actor Gerard Butler watch the tennis match between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic during Day 14 of the 2009 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 13, 2009, in New York.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump watches the action on the 17th hole during the final round of the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort and Spa on March 7, 2010, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
(Sam Greenwood, Getty Images)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Regis Philbin and Donald Trump watch as the New York Yankees play against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the Yankees' home opener at Yankee Stadium on April 13, 2010, in New York.
(Chris McGrath, Getty Images)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Amar'e Stoudemire of the New York Knicks talks to Donald Trump prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays on Sept. 23, 2010, at Yankee Stadium in New York.
(Mike Stobe, Getty Images)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Real estate tycoon Donald Trump talks with New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft on the sidelines as the Patriots and the New York Jets warm up prior to their game at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 6, 2010, in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
(Jim Rogash, Getty Images)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump settles into his new ride as he is named the 2011 Indy 500 pace car driver for the 100th Anniversary of the Indy 500 at Trump Tower on April 5, 2011, in New York.
(Michael Loccisano)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump looks on as Maria Sharapova takes on Heather Watson during Day 1 of the 2011 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Aug. 29, 2011, in New York.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Businessman Donald Trump looks on as athletes from Great Britain, Ireland and the United States walk past during the opening ceremony of the 2011 Walker Cup held on the Balgownie Links at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club on Sept. 9, 2011, in Aberdeen, Scotland.
(Matthew Lewis, Getty Images)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump watches as Bubba Watson hits his tee shot on the 12th hole during the second round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship on the TPC Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 9, 2012, in Miami.
(Scott Halleran, Getty Images)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump attends the Opening Day game between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on April 5, 2012, in New York.
(Nick Laham, Getty Images)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump poses for a photo with fencer Tim Morehouse and tae kwon do athletes Steven Lopez and Diana Lopez during the Team USA Road to London 100 Days Out Celebration in Times Square on April 18, 2012, in New York.
(Jeff Zelevansky)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump and television personality Bill O'Reilly attend the MLB game between the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on July 30, 2012, in New York.
(Jim McIsaac, Getty Images)
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Donald Trump and Robert Kraft talk before a game between the New England Patriots and New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 21, 2012, in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
(Jim Rogash, Getty Images)
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Donald Trump and PGA golfer Justin Rose watch an NBA game between the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Arena on Feb. 10, 2013, in Miami.
(Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Developer Donald Trump looks over the practice ground during the final round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at the Trump Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 10, 2013, in Doral, Florida.
(Scott Halleran, Getty Images)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, attend a match between Rafael Nadal and Tommy Robredo at the 2013 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 4, 2013, in New York.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump attends 2015 U.S. Open quarterfinals women's singles match between Serena Williams and Venus Williams at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 8, 2015, in New York.
(Stan Honda, AFP via Getty Images)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump attends the middleweight championship bout between Gennady Golovkin and Daniel Geale at Madison Square Garden on July 26, 2014.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Presidential candidate Donald Trump walks the course during the final round of The Barclays at Plainfield Country Club on Aug. 30, 2015, in Edison, New Jersey.
(Ross Kinnaird, Getty Images)
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump attend the match between Serena Williams and Venus Williams at the 2015 U.S. Open on Sept. 8, 2015, in New York.
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Presidential candidate Donald Trump attends the fight between Gennady Golovkin against David Lemieux bout at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 17, 2015, in New York.
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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump makes an appearance prior to the start of play during the final round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral Blue Monster Course on March 6, 2016, in Doral, Florida.
(Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images)
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President-elect Donald Trump during the first quarter of the 117th annual Army-Navy college football game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Dec. 10, 2016.
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President Donald Trump waves during the second round of the U.S. Women's Open Championship at Trump National Golf Course on July 14, 2017, in Bedminster, New Jersey.
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President Donald Trump speaks with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan during the final round of the Presidents Cup golf tournament at Liberty National Golf Course on Oct. 1, 2017.
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President Donald Trump points to fans prior to the College Football Playoff national championship between Georgia and Alabama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta.
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President Donald Trump on the field during the national anthem prior to the College Football Playoff national championship between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta.
(Scott Cunningham, Getty Images)
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President Donald Trump walks with Lt. General Darryl Williams and Secretary of the Army Mark Esper during the 119th Army-Navy college football game at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 8, 2018.
(Danny Wild, USA TODAY Sports)
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President Donald Trump waves to the crowd during Game 5 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Oct. 27, 2019.
(Brad Mills, USA TODAY Sports)
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President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the college football game between the LSU Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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President Donald Trump participates in the coin toss before the college football game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 14, 2019, in Philadelphia.
(Elsa, Getty Images)
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First lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump stand during the national anthem prior to the College Football Playoff national championship game between Clemson and LSU at Mercedes Benz Superdome on Jan. 13, 2020, in New Orleans.
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President Donald Trump attends UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 2, 2019.
(Sarah Stier, USA TODAY Sports)
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President Donald Trump during the second quarter of the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 14, 2019.
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President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump cheer for the Florida Atlantic University band during the Super Bowl party at International Golf Club on Feb. 2, 2020, in West Palm Beach, Florida.
(Gregg Lovett, Palm Beach Post-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Content Services, LLC)
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President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump stand on pit road for the national anthem as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform a flyover prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 on Feb. 16, 2020.
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President Donald Trump and former New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera met with youth baseball players to celebrate Major League Baseball's Opening Day on July 23, 2020.
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President Donald Trump walks onto the field before the first half of the Army-Navy college football game at Michie Stadium on Dec. 12, 2020.
(Danny Wild, USA TODAY Sports)
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Donald Trump looks on during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021, in Las Vegas.
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Former first lady Melania Trump and former President Donald Trump hold up signs for "stand up to cancer" prior to the sixth inning in Game 4 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves on Oct. 30, 2021, in Atlanta.
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Donald Trump plays his shot from the 16th tee during the pro-am prior to the LIV Golf invitational at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster on July 28, 2022, in Bedminster, New Jersey.
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Then former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd during the NCAA Division I wrestling championships at the BOK Center on March 18, 2023.
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Donald Trump attends the fight between Raul Rosas Jr. and Christian Rodriguez during UFC 287 at Miami-Dade Arena on April 8, 2023.
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Pat Perez shakes hands with then former President Donald Trump on the 18th green during the first round of the LIV Golf DC 2023 tournament at Trump National Golf Club on May 25, 2023, in Sterling, Virginia.
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Donald Trump waves to a supporter while attending the college football game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Iowa Hawkeyes at Jack Trice Stadium on Sept. 9, 2023.
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Former President Donald Trump, UFC president Dana White, and Kid Rock pose for a photo during the UFC 295 event at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 11, 2023, in New York.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Former President Donald Trump with South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster during a college football game between the Clemson Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on Nov. 25, 2023.
(Ken Ruinard, USA TODAY Sports)
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Donald Trump watches from the stands during the title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval during the UFC 296 event at T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 16, 2023, in Las Vegas.
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Donald Trump points to the crowd in the pit lane prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 5, 2024, in Miami.
(Clive Mason, Getty Images)
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Then former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump talks with team owner Richard Childress prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26, 2024, in Concord, North Carolina.
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Former President Donald Trump talks with UFC president Dana White during the fight between Cesar Almeida and Roman Kopylov during UFC 302 on June 1, 2024.
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Republican presidential candidate and then former President Donald Trump raises his fist during the second quarter of the college football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sept. 28, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
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Former President Donald Trump poses for a photo during the first quarter as the Pittsburgh Steelers play the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium on Oct. 20, 2024.
(Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images)
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President-elect Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk watch a fight during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in New York, on Nov. 16, 2024.
(Kena Betancur, AFP via Getty Images)
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Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones greets President Donald Trump before playing against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9, 2025.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
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President Donald Trump and daughter Ivanka Trump with New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9, 2025.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
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President Donald Trump is greeted by Zane Smith, driver of the No. 38 Speedy Cash Ford, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the No. 47 SUNNYD Chevrolet, prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 16, 2025.
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
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President Donald Trump and Sen. Dave McCormick watch the action during the Division I men's college wrestling championship held at Wells Fargo Center on March 22, 2025.
(Eric Hartline, Imagn Images)
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President Donald Trump sits with Elon Musk and Musk's son as they watch English fighter Paddy Pimblett celebrate winning during UFC 314 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on April 13, 2025.
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President Donald Trump attends UFC 316 at the Prudential Center on June 7, 2025, in Newark, New Jersey.
(Elsa, Getty Images)
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First lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attend the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 championship match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, on July 13, 2025.
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Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy with teammates and President Donald Trump during the award ceremony for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Champions at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025.
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President Donald Trump, Karoline Leavitt, Pam Bondi and Jared Kushner stand for the national anthem prior to the men's singles final match between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz on Day 15 of the 2025 US Open on Sept. 7, 2025, in New York.
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President Donald Trump shakes hands with Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in the locker room before a game against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 11, 2025, in New York.
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President Donald Trump attends the New York Yankees game against the Detroit Tigers at Yankees Stadium on Sept. 11, 2025, in New York, on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
(Kevin Dietsch, Getty Images)
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Nov 9, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; President Donald Trump is interviewed by Fox play-by-play announcer Kenny Albert and analyst Jonathan Vilma during the third quarter of a game between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions at Northwest Stadium.
(Peter Casey-Imagn Images)
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President Donald Trump waves at football fans from the team owner’s suite during the first half between the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
"That's a terrible question. He'll get me in so much trouble," Trump said, jokingly . "I'll be at the game."
It will be the sixth time Trump has attended the game as either the president or president-elect. His previous visits occurred in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2024.
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Since 1901, 10 sitting U.S. presidents have attended the Army-Navy game. Four of the past five presidents have been to the game at least once while in office. The lone exception was Joe Biden , who did the ceremonial pregame coin toss in 2012 while vice president, but never attended in his one term in the Oval Office.
In 2016, about a month after he was elected to his first term, Trump somewhat famously said in an interview with CBS's Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson that he didn't know if the Army-Navy game was "necessarily the best football."
"I just love the armed forces," Trump said . "Love the folks. The spirit is so incredible. I mean, I don't know if it's necessarily the best football, but it's very good. But, boy, do they have a spirit. More than anybody. It's beautiful."
REQUIRED READING: Indiana passes Ohio State at top of college football's NCAA Re-Rank 1-136 entering CFP
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How many times has Donald Trump been to the Army-Navy game?
Saturday's visit to the Army-Navy game will be his sixth since 2016. He attended the game as the president-elect in 2016 and 2024 and then as the president in 2018, 2019, 2020 and, now, 2025.
Trump has been a fixture at major sporting events in his decade as a politician and candidate, from college football games to UFC bouts to NASCAR races. Last month, he became the first sitting U.S. president since Jimmy Carter in 1978 to attend a regular-season NFL game .
Where is the Army-Navy game?
The 2025 edition of the Army-Navy game will be played in Baltimore at M&T Bank Stadium, the home of the NFL 's Baltimore Ravens .
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The location, and Trump's presence there, is notable.
In September, Trump had floated the possibility of sending the National Guard into Baltimore, which he described as "a hellhole."
"We have a right to do it because I have an obligation to do it to protect this country, and that includes Baltimore," Trump said .
Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott pushed back , citing declining violent crime rates in the city, and Maryland governor Wes Moore described the National Guard serving the role of city police as "theatrical and not sustainable" while also inviting Trump for a public safety walk around Baltimore at a date and time of his choosing.
(This story was updated to add a photo gallery.)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why is Donald Trump at the Army-Navy football game?
