The president-elect won a heat reception from the group after showing at the scoreboard video display screen.
President-elect Donald Trump attended the Military-Military soccer sport on Dec. 14 whilst huddling with key political allies.
The ones becoming a member of Trump for the one hundred and twenty fifth matchup between the storied faculty sports activities competition groups integrated Vice President-elect JD Vance, Protection Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who’s reportedly a possible backup select if Hegseth isn’t showed by means of the Senate subsequent yr.
In attendance used to be additionally Daniel Penny, a former U.S. Marine who used to be invited by means of Vance. Penny used to be acquitted remaining week of negligent murder within the 2023 loss of life of Jordan Neely, after Neely become agitated on a New York subway. Vance accused prosecutors on the subject of seeking to “smash” the veteran’s lifestyles by means of charging him with Neely’s loss of life.
After Trump mouthed the phrases “thanks,” the group started chanting “USA, USA!”
Trump attended Military–Military video games in 2016 and all through his first time period. He has an increasing number of made extra public appearances forward of his inauguration subsequent month, and accompanied Vance on Thursday to ring the New York Inventory Change opening bell after being named Time Mag’s Individual of the Yr.
After successful the Nov. 5 election, Trump has been operating at his Mar-a-Lago lodge to collect the crew that may assist lead his 2d management.
DeSantis, who’s a former Military legal professional, is reportedly at the listing of doable substitute nominees if Hegseth’s bid falls flat.
There used to be a celebratory temper amongst Trump and his allies on Saturday.
In a while sooner 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 army allegiances for the soccer matchup.
“We like our Military, except for nowadays,” Waltz stated. He’s a retired Military Nationwide Guard colonel.
Gabbard, a lieutenant colonel within the Military Reserve, stated, “Move Military!”
Space Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Los angeles.) used to be additionally on the sport with Trump. Johnson used to be accompanied by means of incoming Senate Majority Chief John Thune and Pennsylvania Sen.-elect David McCormick.
The Related Press contributed to this document.