Trump Orders FCC to Protect Army-Navy Game Broadcast

President signs executive order to prevent other college football games from airing opposite the annual service academy matchup

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:04pm

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President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review whether current public interest requirements for television broadcasters can be used to create an exclusive programming time slot for the annual Army-Navy football game. The order aims to prevent other college football games, including the College Football Playoffs, from airing opposite the traditional 'America's Game' matchup between the U.S. Military Academy and Naval Academy.

Why it matters

The Army-Navy game has been a cherished national tradition for over a century, seen as a symbol of American excellence and spirit. However, the growth of college football's postseason has threatened to encroach on the game's exclusive timeslot on the second Saturday of December. Trump's order seeks to preserve the game's status as a must-see national event that showcases the strength and bravery of the U.S. armed forces.

The details

Trump's 'Preserving America's Game' executive order directs the FCC Chairman to coordinate with the College Football Playoff committee, NCAA, and broadcast partners to establish an exclusive broadcast window for the Army-Navy game. The order also asks the FCC to review whether broadcasters' public interest obligations require them to air the game without competition from other college football matchups.

  • The Army-Navy game traditionally takes place on the second Saturday in December.
  • Trump signed the executive order on Friday, March 22, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States who signed the executive order.

Brendan Carr

The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission who will be tasked with implementing the executive order.

College Football Playoff (CFP) Committee

The organization that oversees the College Football Playoff system, which has expanded in recent years and threatened to conflict with the Army-Navy game.

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

The governing body for college sports that will need to coordinate with the FCC on preserving the Army-Navy game's timeslot.

Department of War

The federal agency that views the Army-Navy game as a 'morale-building event of vital interest'.

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What they’re saying

“For over a century, the Army-Navy Game, known as 'America's Game,' has stood as a symbol of excellence and the American spirit.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“I was honored to join President Trump at the White House today as he awarded the coveted Commander in Chief's Trophy to the Navy Football team. The annual showdown between Army and Navy is always a classic and showcases the strength and bravery of this national service event. America's Game stands as a symbol of excellences and our great national sprit. It is important that we continue to reserve a window of time on the second Saturday in December exclusively for this important event.”

— Brendan Carr, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission

What’s next

The FCC Chairman will coordinate with the College Football Playoff committee, NCAA, and broadcast partners to establish an exclusive broadcast window for the Army-Navy game on the second Saturday of December.

The takeaway

This executive order underscores the cultural and national significance of the Army-Navy game, which has served as a unifying tradition for over a century. By seeking to protect the game's exclusive timeslot, the Trump administration aims to preserve the event's status as a must-see showcase of American military pride and excellence.