Trump Returns to Army-Navy Game as Deadly Ambush Claims Lives of U.S. Soldiers in Syria
BALTIMORE, Md. — President Donald Trump made his seventh appearance at the annual Army-Navy football game on Saturday, returning to M&T Bank Stadium to witness the 126th installment of the historic rivalry. The event unfolded against the somber backdrop of a deadly ambush in Syria that claimed the lives of two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
Just hours before kickoff, officials confirmed that the attack, attributed to ISIS operatives, occurred in a volatile region of Syria not fully under government control. President Trump addressed the incident in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, expressing condolences and signaling a stern response. “We mourn the loss of three Great American Patriots in Syria, two soldiers, and one Civilian Interpreter. Likewise, we pray for the three injured soldiers who, it has just been confirmed, are doing well,” he wrote. “This was an ISIS attack against the U.S., and Syria, in a very dangerous part of Syria, that is not fully controlled by them. The President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is extremely angry and disturbed by this attack. There will be very serious retaliation.”
The ambush highlights ongoing risks faced by U.S. forces operating in Syria, where the Department of Defense maintains a presence aimed at countering extremist groups and supporting regional stability. The incident underscores the persistent threats in the area despite efforts to reduce violence.
President Trump’s attendance at the game marks a continuation of his tradition, having been present every year from 2016 through 2020, as well as last year’s matchup in Landover, Maryland. The 2016 game was notably the last time the contest was held in Baltimore, where Army ended Navy’s 14-game winning streak with a 21-17 victory.
Upon arriving at Fort McHenry, near the stadium, Trump playfully dodged questions about which team he supported, stating, “You must be joking if you think I’m going to give you that answer!” He later took part in the ceremonial coin toss after the national anthem, shaking hands with players from both teams.
The Army-Navy game carries significance beyond the gridiron, as it determines the winner of the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, a coveted honor among the service academies. Last year, Army secured its first conference title in program history by winning the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and was ranked in the Top 25 before falling to Navy 31-13.
This year’s matchup presented an opportunity for Army to seek redemption. The game also attracted a high-profile audience, including Vice President JD Vance, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
As the nation grapples with the loss of American lives overseas, the Army-Navy game served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by service members. The U.S. Army and U.S. Navy continue to honor their fallen while competing fiercely on the field, embodying the spirit of commitment and resilience.
For more on the evolving situation in Syria and U.S. military operations, visit the U.S. Department of State website.
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