It is doubtful that Trump can legally ban competitor programming to the Army-Navy Game—but if he could, it would lead to a windfall for Trump-friendly CBS.

President Donald Trump campaigned on fundamentally changing the United States government. Still, few voters could have expected that Trump would have sought to take control of Venezuela’s oil, or push for the US annexation of Greenland by force. The latter move could damage relations with some of the United States’ closest European allies, and even threaten the very future of NATO.

Trump has also focused on matters that seem less significant on the global stage, but highlight that he seeks to leave his mark on Washington like no other president before him. The Trump name has been added to multiple buildings. He’s redecorated the Oval Office to his tastes, and he even demolished the entire White House East Wing to build a ballroom.

On Saturday, Trump also said he would order a change to college football, declaring that no other matchup could take place when the Black Knights from West Point take on the United States Naval Academy’s Midshipmen.

“The Army-Navy Game is one of our Greatest American Traditions — Unmatched Patriotism, Courage, and Honor!,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “This incredible Tradition is now at risk of being pushed aside by more College Playoff Games, and Big TV Money. NOT ANYMORE!”

About the Army-Navy Game

The famed Army-Navy game remains one of the oldest and most enduring rivalries in college football. It was first played in 1890, and last year marked the 126th matchup between the nation’s two oldest military service academies. The 2025 game was all the more special as both the United States Army and the United States Navy celebrated their 250th anniversaries.

Each team honored the occasion with special uniforms.

The game is traditionally held on the second Saturday of December, often after the regular season games for many teams had been concluded, but before the start of the “Bowl season” began. For decades, the game was the only college football game, but there have been overlaps in recent years as college football has added division championships and new bowl games.

Trump, who is reported to be a football fan, attended the game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, where he shook hands with the players and team captains before kickoff. Navy’s Midshipmen defeated Army 17 to 16, one of the closest games in recent history.

Trump has suggested it is about tradition, but more than just football may be at play.

“On the field, they are rivals, but on the battlefield they are America’s unstoppable Patriots, defending our Country with tremendous Strength and Heart,” the president further added in his social media post. “We must protect the Tradition, and the Players, who protect us. Please let this serve as Notice to ALL Television Networks, Stations, and Outlets.”

The president said he will sign an executive order requiring an exclusive four-hour time slot for the Army-Navy game.

Trump’s Move Could Be a Coup for CBS

Trump’s move would be especially helpful to CBS, which has exclusive rights to the Army-Navy Game through 2038.

It is likely no coincidence that CBS is now owned by Paramount Skydance—itself led by David Ellison, the son of billionaire Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and a prominent Trump supporter.

It would be unclear how, or even whether, the executive order would be enforced, as the FCC does not have jurisdiction over cable television. However, Trump has been more involved in the media landscape than past presidents, and he has threatened to revoke the licenses of broadcasters critical of his administration.

About the Author: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.

Image: Wikimedia Commons.

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