Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith publicly criticized President Trump after he signed an executive order intended to protect the exclusive broadcast window for the Army-Navy football game.
The “Preserving America’s Game” order requires the game's traditional time slot to remain unchanged, preventing other college football games from broadcasting at the same time.
President Trump signed the order while hosting the Navy team at the White House, an event similar to one featuring Gunner Stockton and Herschel Walker on the occasion of winning the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.
Stephen A. Smith reacted strongly on his SiriusXM show, arguing that the President overstepped by interfering in sports broadcasting schedules.
He questioned the authority to decide television content and audience choices, while also criticizing the interference in the broadcasting industry.
Smith suggested that the President should focus on more pressing matters, such as signing the executive order to establish an anti-fraud task force, rather than impacting football schedules.
The executive order aims to ensure the Army-Navy game is not affected by the expanding college football playoff schedule.
President Trump stated that the goal is to preserve the traditional value of the game, which is considered a special event in American sports.
According to the plan, the second Saturday in December will be reserved exclusively for the Army-Navy game.
The game is currently scheduled to be broadcast on CBS through 2038.
President Trump also acknowledged the possibility of facing litigation regarding this order, similar to the legal troubles from Jack Smith’s classified documents case, but expressed confidence in winning any legal challenge.
