The president-elect obtained a heat reception from the group after showing on the scoreboard video display.
President-elect Donald Trump attended the Military-Navy soccer sport on Dec. 14 whereas huddling with key political allies.
These becoming a member of Trump for the a hundred and twenty fifth matchup between the storied faculty sports activities rivalry groups included Vice President-elect JD Vance, Protection Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who’s reportedly a possible backup decide if Hegseth isn’t confirmed by the Senate subsequent yr.
In attendance was additionally Daniel Penny, a former U.S. Marine who was invited by Vance. Penny was acquitted final week of negligent murder within the 2023 dying of Jordan Neely, after Neely turned agitated on a New York subway. Vance accused prosecutors within the case of making an attempt to “destroy” the veteran’s life by charging him with Neely’s dying.
After Trump mouthed the phrases “thanks,” the group started chanting “USA, USA!”
Trump attended Military–Navy video games in 2016 and through his first time period. He has more and more made extra public appearances forward of his inauguration subsequent month, and accompanied Vance on Thursday to ring the New York Inventory Trade opening bell after being named Time Journal’s Particular person of the 12 months.
After successful the Nov. 5 election, Trump has been working at his Mar-a-Lago resort to assemble the crew that can assist lead his second administration.
DeSantis, who’s a former Navy lawyer, is reportedly on the listing of potential alternative nominees if Hegseth’s bid falls flat.
There was a celebratory temper amongst Trump and his allies on Saturday.
Shortly earlier than the sport began, Hegseth and fellow Military veterans Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s director of intelligence nominee, and Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), Trump’s nationwide safety adviser nominee, posted a brief video on X, highlighting their navy allegiances for the soccer matchup.
“We love our Navy, besides as we speak,” Waltz mentioned. He’s a retired Military Nationwide Guard colonel.
Gabbard, a lieutenant colonel within the Military Reserve, mentioned, “Go Military!”
Home Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was additionally on the sport with Trump. Johnson was accompanied by incoming Senate Majority Chief John Thune and Pennsylvania Sen.-elect David McCormick.
The Related Press contributed to this report.