Trump Honors Navy Football, Praises Military Strength

Trump Honors Navy Football Team with Commander in Chief’s Trophy

President Donald Trump hosted the Navy Midshipmen football team at the White House to present them with the Commander in Chief’s Trophy. The event, held in Washington D.C., celebrated the team’s successful season, marked by 11 wins and two losses. Trump lauded the players as “great athletes” and “great people,” highlighting their impressive achievements on the field.

“For the second year in a row, it’s my great honor to officially present the Commander in Chief’s Trophy to the one and only Navy Midshipman football team,” Trump announced. He emphasized that the team played “the best teams in football” and achieved “one of the most impressive seasons in Navy football history.”

Military Strength and International Relations

During the ceremony, President Trump also spoke about his administration’s approach to foreign policy and military strength, particularly concerning Iran. He stated that the U.S. is “doing extremely well in Iran” and asserted that the nation would not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. Trump claimed that Iran’s navy was destroyed, with “58 ships knocked down in two days,” and contrasted this with the strength of the U.S. Navy.

He recounted an anecdote about meeting General Dan Kaine, whom he nicknamed “Raisin Kane,” and how Kaine assured him that ISIS could be defeated in “four weeks.” Trump credited his administration with rebuilding the military, including the establishment of Space Force, and suggested that this strength was crucial in international affairs.

Recognizing Key Figures and Athletes

The President acknowledged several individuals present, including Navy Athletic Director Michael Kelly and Head Coach Brian Newberry. He praised Kelly for his “incredible job” and Newberry for having the “second best start for any football coach in school history.” He also recognized Superintendent Lieutenant General Michael Borg Schulty, Secretary of War Pete Hex, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kaine.

Trump highlighted standout players from the Navy team, including co-captain and quarterback Blake Horvath, wide receiver Eli Hayden Reich, lineman Landon Robertson, and playmaker Brandon Chapman. He noted that Horvath had an “astounding almost 60% completion rate” and that Reich set a school record for receiving touchdowns. Robertson was described as incredibly strong, with impressive weightlifting stats, while Chapman was lauded for his “selfless, relentless football” and his “big heart.”

Preserving the Army-Navy Game Tradition

A significant part of the President’s address focused on protecting the tradition of the annual Army-Navy football game. Trump announced he would sign an executive order to ensure the game’s dedicated time slot is preserved exclusively, preventing other college football games from being played during those hours.

“I will sign an executive order to ensure that the second Saturday in December is preserved exclusively,” Trump declared. “Nobody’s playing football. Not Ohio State against Notre Dame, not LSU against Alabama. Nobody’s going to play football for four hours during that very special time of the year in December. It’s preserved forever for the Army Navy game.” He explained that this move aims to keep the game “special” and prevent other major matchups from overshadowing it.

Player Achievements and Future Prospects

The President detailed the team’s historic win over Army, highlighting a crucial fourth-down touchdown pass from Blake Horvath to Eli Hayden Reich in the final minutes. He also mentioned the team’s ability to overcome a two-score deficit and a “huge 24-yard gain” by running back Alex Tesa, which shifted momentum.

Trump also touched upon policy changes he implemented, such as a military academy deferment policy. This policy allows players to defer their military service until after their professional athletic careers, potentially encouraging more athletes to join the academies. He expressed pride in the military’s capabilities, referencing operations against Venezuela and Iran, and stated that “no force on Earth can beat the American sailors or the American military.”

A Message of Strength and Unity

Concluding his remarks, Trump congratulated the team once more, emphasizing their status as “champions” and “winners.” He expressed his admiration for sports and competition, and his belief in the strength and resilience of the U.S. military.

Coach Brian Newberry also spoke briefly, thanking the President for his hospitality and for signing the executive order to protect the Army-Navy game. He expressed gratitude for the recognition of his team and reiterated the importance of the Naval Academy’s values.

Source: Trump hosts Commander in Chief's trophy ceremony (YouTube)