A brief moment at the annual Army-Navy football game has ignited widespread debate on social media after US President Donald Trump performed an unconventional ceremonial coin toss that quickly went viral.
The incident occurred during the Army-Navy matchup on Sunday, December 14, at which Trump, 79, attended as the guest of honour. Presidential participation in the game is a long-standing tradition, but this year’s coin toss drew attention for reasons few expected.
When Trump stepped onto the field to conduct the ceremonial toss, his approach departed from the familiar technique. Instead of flipping the coin off his thumb in the traditional manner, he placed it in his palm and released it upward with a short motion that produced little to no spin. Broadcast footage showed a referee handing over the coin and asking, “Mr President, would you do the honours?” Moments later, the unusual toss was complete.
JUST IN 🚨 President Trump stuns the Army and Navy by being there for the Coin toss to start the game
REF: “It is my honor and privilege to introduce the Commander-in-Chief, our President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump”
LET’S GO 🔥 pic.twitter.com/aLo5bxuSuO
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) December 13, 2025
The coin landed on tails, granting the Army Black Knights the opening call. However, the Navy Midshipmen ultimately secured a narrow 17–16 victory in the closely contested rivalry game.
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Clips of the moment spread rapidly across social media platforms, attracting millions of views and sparking debate among users. Some viewers found the gesture amusing and harmless, while others questioned the break from protocol, turning the brief toss into a trending topic online.
Trump's No-Flip Coin Toss at Army-Navy Game Stuns Internet: 'Looked Like a Space Alien Wholly Unfamiliar With the Concept' https://t.co/4Pw0PRfOo7 pic.twitter.com/2ELy0mgLy9
— Mediaite (@Mediaite) December 13, 2025
The appearance marked Trump’s sixth consecutive attendance at the Army-Navy game, one of the most historic rivalries in college football. The tradition of presidential involvement dates back to 1901, when President Theodore Roosevelt first took part, reinforcing the symbolic link between the armed forces and the nation’s highest office.