Trump Goes to Army-Navy Football Game Accompanied by Important Allies
Trump's game-day entourage offers a glimpse into what his inner circle may resemble upon his return to the White House next month.
TroibNews 
President-elect Donald Trump made an appearance on Saturday at Washington’s hometown stadium for the annual Army-Navy football game, bringing along key allies selected to join his inner circle for his upcoming return to the White House.
In his box seats, Trump was accompanied by Vice President-elect JD Vance, along with his nominations for director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard; secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth; and national security adviser, Mike Waltz. Elon Musk, who has been appointed by Trump to establish a so-called Department of Government Efficiency alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, was also present.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has transitioned from a Trump opponent to an ally and whom Trump reportedly considered as a potential backup for the defense secretary position if Hegseth does not receive Senate confirmation, attended the game as well.
Daniel Penny, a Marine Corps veteran recently acquitted of homicide for fatally choking subway rider Jordan Neely, was also in attendance at Vance’s invitation.
Trump has previously attended this annual matchup between West Point’s Black Knights and Annapolis’ Midshipmen, including during his presidency in 2016 and throughout his first term.
Despite facing criticism for various controversial remarks about service members, veterans, and their families, the military has traditionally leaned conservative. According to Pew Research, veterans supported Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election by a significant margin.
Earlier that day, the Federal Aviation Administration imposed a ban on drones around the stadium following multiple drone sightings across the Northeast, which led to unverified claims about an “Iranian mothership” — a claim denied by the Pentagon. On Friday, Trump suggested that the drones should be shot down.
Giselle Ruhiyyih Ewing contributed to this report.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
In his box seats, Trump was accompanied by Vice President-elect JD Vance, along with his nominations for director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard; secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth; and national security adviser, Mike Waltz. Elon Musk, who has been appointed by Trump to establish a so-called Department of Government Efficiency alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, was also present.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has transitioned from a Trump opponent to an ally and whom Trump reportedly considered as a potential backup for the defense secretary position if Hegseth does not receive Senate confirmation, attended the game as well.
Daniel Penny, a Marine Corps veteran recently acquitted of homicide for fatally choking subway rider Jordan Neely, was also in attendance at Vance’s invitation.
Trump has previously attended this annual matchup between West Point’s Black Knights and Annapolis’ Midshipmen, including during his presidency in 2016 and throughout his first term.
Despite facing criticism for various controversial remarks about service members, veterans, and their families, the military has traditionally leaned conservative. According to Pew Research, veterans supported Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election by a significant margin.
Earlier that day, the Federal Aviation Administration imposed a ban on drones around the stadium following multiple drone sightings across the Northeast, which led to unverified claims about an “Iranian mothership” — a claim denied by the Pentagon. On Friday, Trump suggested that the drones should be shot down.
Giselle Ruhiyyih Ewing contributed to this report.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
