President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order on March 20 to protect the traditional scheduling of the Army-Navy Game, also known as "America's Game." The order directs federal agencies to ensure that no college football playoff or postseason game is broadcast during the time reserved for this annual event.
The move comes in response to concerns that the expansion of the College Football Playoffs and other postseason games could overlap with the second Saturday in December, a date historically set aside for the Army-Navy Game. The order states that such conflicts could weaken national attention on military service academies and diminish a morale-building event important to the Department of War.
Under the new directive, the Secretary of Commerce and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are instructed to work with relevant organizations, including the College Football Playoff Committee and National Collegiate Athletic Association, as well as media partners, to establish an exclusive broadcast window for "America's Game." The FCC Chairman is also asked to consider whether public interest obligations for broadcasters should require that the Army-Navy Game remain a national service event.
The executive order clarifies that it does not alter existing legal authorities or budgetary functions of government agencies. It also specifies that implementation will depend on applicable laws and available funding. Costs associated with publishing this order will be covered by the Department of War.
Trump signed off on the order at The White House, emphasizing its intent to preserve a longstanding tradition in American sports.
