PRESERVING AMERICA’S GAME

This Executive Order, signed by President Donald J. Trump on March 20, 2026, establishes a federal policy to protect the traditional scheduling and broadcast exclusivity of the Army-Navy Game, often referred to as "America’s Game."The order addresses concerns that the expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) and other postseason games is beginning to encroach on the second Saturday in December—a date historically reserved for the rivalry between the Military Service Academies.Key components of the Executive Order include:Protecting Military Morale: The administration argues that scheduling conflicts with the CFP weaken national focus on the academies and detract from a "morale-building event" that is of vital interest to the Department of War.Establishing an Exclusive Window: The Secretary of Commerce and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are directed to coordinate with the NCAA, the CFP Committee, and media broadcast partners. The goal is to ensure that no other college football games are broadcast during the Army-Navy Game’s time slot.Public Interest Review: The FCC Chairman is instructed to review the "public interest obligations" of broadcast licensees to determine if the Army-Navy Game should be legally recognized and protected as a "national service event."Interagency Coordination: The order mandates cooperation between government agencies and private sports organizations to maintain the game as a symbol of the American spirit and excellence.The administration characterizes this move as a necessary step to preserve a century-old tradition and ensure that the nation’s attention remains on its service members during this high-profile event.