President Donald Trump appeared to take an unsubtle dig at J.D. Vance after the Vice President accidentally destroyed a college football trophy.
On Tuesday, Trump hosted the 2024 Navy football team at the White House and formally presented them with the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy – just one day after Ohio State stopped by the Oval Office. The Navy’s visit to the White House was eventful, with Trump referring to the players as “gentlebin” in a bizarre moment.
During the Buckeyes’ visit to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Vance fumbled the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy while attempting to raise the piece of hardware and could only watch as it broke in two. It appears as though the gaffe was fresh on Trump’s mind during Tuesday’s visit, as the 78-year-old insisted that he had no intention of trying to raise the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy – an annual accolade awarded to whichever team wins the series among the Army, Navy and Air Force academies.
“Wow, that’s a hell of a trophy,” Trump said. “How much does that weigh? I don’t know, am I supposed to carry that? I don’t know, I don’t think it can be done. I hear it’s quite heavy actually.”
Footage of Vance’s costly mistake swiftly went viral on social media, with droves of viewers poking fun at the awkward incident. “J.D. Vance dropping the National Championship trophy — while literally one person claps — is the ultimate metaphor for the current state of affairs in America,” one X user wrote.
Another chimed in: “Can’t order donuts. Can’t hold a normal conversation. Can’t hold a trophy without breaking it. Did he even say thank you?”
(Image: Getty Images)
In the absence of Vance – who was notably absent from Tuesday’s White House celebration – Navy’s trophy ceremony went off without a hitch as Trump congratulated the Midshipmen on securing the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. “In 2024 you lived up to coach Newberry’s vision and you showed the world that the Midshipmen know how to fight, fight, fight, and win, win, win,” he said.
“You won 10 of 13 games, including nine by double digits. You beat Air Force, you beat Army, and now this 170-pound trophy … is yours once again. I have to tell you, you had some brilliant players.”
With Trump, Vance Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, senior advisor Elon Musk and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in attendance, Navy secured a commanding 31-13 win over No. 19 seed Army in the 125th game between the two programs.
The Midshipmen (10-3) achieved immense success during the 2024 campaign, becoming just the fifth team in program history to win at least 10 games in a season. Navy previously accomplished the feat in 1905 (10-1-1), 2004 (10-2), 2009 (10-4), 2015 (11-2) and 2019 (11-2).
Upon narrowly defeating Oklahoma, 21-20, in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, Navy secured its first win over an SEC team in a bowl game since 1954 – during which the Midshipmen beat Ole Miss at the Sugar Bowl.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
