(Video) Donald Trump’s reaction at Army-Navy game, which Joe Biden skipped for past four years, breaks the internet

Donald Trump’s presence at Army-Navy game went viral as it served as a platform for him to showcase his patriotism where he stood up and saluted.

(Video) Donald Trump’s reaction at Army-Navy game, which Joe Biden skipped for past four years, breaks the internet

Donald Trump's salute at Army-Navy game (Via CNN/X)

After winning the Presidential election for the second tenure, Donald Trump is now winning hearts by attending an Army-Navy football match. It is now being considered a focal point of political spectacle this year, as it drew sharp contrasts to President Joe Biden’s absence over the past four years from the fixture.

The storied tradition in American sports marked its 125th matchup between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen, which took place at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Trump graced the event with his key allies including Vice President-elect, JD Vance, and backup Defense Secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth.

What made Trump’s presence particularly striking was that it served as a platform for Trump to showcase his patriotism; he stood up and saluted throughout the national anthem, a gesture that quickly gathered attention and was rewarded by a huge round of applause and chants of “U-S-A” by the audience who came to watch one of the most iconic rivalries in college sports.

The Republican leader’s arrival with Vance and Elon Musk at the sports match was well captured, as the crowd greeted him with huge cheers, to which he responded, “Thank you!” 

This isn’t the first time Trump attended the Army-Navy football match. He previously graced the game during his first Presidential tenure in 2016. Since being elected for the second time, he has been incredibly active in public appearances leading up to his inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2025.

Controversy erupts as Donald Trump salutes during national anthem

As much as the crowd gathered at the Northwest Stadium appreciated Trump’s salute at the national anthem, it struck a debate on the internet. According to Military protocol, only active-duty personnel or those in uniform are allowed to salute. And since Trump was a civilian until his inauguration ceremony in January, his patriotic gesture was considered out of place by many. 

47th U.S. President Donald Trump
47th U.S. President Donald Trump (Via Military Times)

Interestingly, the military protocol was adhered to by Trump’s allies like Vance and Hegseth, who placed their hands over their hearts instead. Social media users argued that Biden, being the current Commander-in-Chief, had the authority to salute, which Trump did abide by.

While there is no formal rule against civilian saluting, it is generally viewed as disrespectful towards the Military personnel from a moral and respectful standpoint. Nonetheless, despite the ongoing debate, Trump’s appearance at the event symbolized unity and strength as he approached his inauguration.

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