Former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance attended the 125th Army-Navy football game, accompanied by guests who generated considerable pre-game attention. Held in Landover, Maryland, the game saw Navy triumph over Army with a final score of 31-13.

Among Trump's guests were Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, House Speaker Mike Johnson, incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Tulsi Gabbard (Trump's pick for director of national intelligence), and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Vance's guest was Marine veteran Daniel Penny, recently acquitted in the Jordan Neely subway chokehold case.

Penny's presence underscored the ongoing debate surrounding the incident. Hegseth's attendance served as a public display of support from Trump, despite some senators' hesitation regarding his confirmation. Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army National Guard member, has faced allegations of misconduct, which he denies. He reached a financial settlement with an accuser in 2017 to avoid a lawsuit.

Vance criticized New York City prosecutors for their handling of the Penny case, expressing admiration for Penny's "courage." Penny had been charged with manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely, who was reportedly behaving erratically on the subway.

This marks Trump's fifth appearance at the Army-Navy game, having attended as president in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and as president-elect in 2016. President Biden has not attended the game as president but did attend as vice president.

Both Army and Navy had successful seasons, creating excitement for the rivalry game. The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy will be awarded to Navy, the victor of Saturday’s game.