NORFOLK, Virginia — President Donald Trump pledged to raise salaries for thousands of service members during a Sunday afternoon speech to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy, as the government shutdown continues.
“I want you to know that despite the current Democrat-induced shutdown, we will get our service members every last penny. Don’t worry about it,” Trump told sailors at Naval Station Norfolk, who clapped in approval. “And even more, because I’m supporting the across-the-board pay raises for every sailor and service member of the U.S. Armed Forces.“
Washington is embroiled in day five of a federal shutdown after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach a compromise before the Oct. 1 deadline.
Trump repeatedly blamed Democrats on Sunday for engineering the shutdown, resulting in the loss of jobs for federal workers and forcing military members to work without pay.
“It’s taking place right now,” Trump told reporters after he returned to the White House on Sunday. “It’s all because of the Democrats. The Democrats are causing the loss of a lot of jobs with their — it’s a shutdown. It’s their shutdown, not our shutdown.”
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However, the shutdown did not stop the president from championing the Navy over the weekend.
Trump’s speech on Sunday touted the superiority of the Navy in comparison to any other nation and included a show of the Navy’s might as planes flew overhead the president at the beginning of his speech.
“We’re gathered on this storied waterfront to celebrate 250 years of strength, tenacity, and unwavering courage by the greatest fighting force,” Trump said. “There’s nothing like the fighting force that we have. Roam the seas. It’s called the U.S. Navy. And there’s nothing in the world like it, nothing, not even close.”
It also closely resembled Trump’s campaign rallies with Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” playing before Trump appeared onstage and the speech ending with Village People’s “YMCA.”
“This is sort of a rally. Let’s face it, this is a rally. This is a speech of love,” Trump conceded. “We all love our country.”
Before Trump’s speech, he received a one-hour Navy demonstration aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush. During the demonstration, Navy SEALs conducted a landing on one of the ships, using ropes from a helicopter.
The president was joined by several members of his inner circle and Cabinet, including first lady Melania Trump, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, Navy Secretary John Phelan, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, and Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX).
The trip to Norfolk also comes days after Trump and Hegseth summoned military leaders across the world to Quantico, Virginia. Hegseth announced new changes to the War Department, including enforcing shaving standards and physical fitness standards.
The sailors on Sunday appeared more engaged with the president and the war secretary than senior officials who gathered in Quantico.
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Many sailors cheered and laughed at Trump’s quips as he championed the Navy’s might before heading back to Washington.
“With your help, we will fight, fight, fight. We will win, win, win,” Trump told the sailors at the Norfolk Naval Base. “You are Navy and our country will always be proud and righteous and mighty and free. Congratulations once again on 250 years of total dominance. Sail fast. Stay strong.”
