President Donald Trump delivered a fiery and unapologetically pro-military speech Sunday at Norfolk Naval Base, celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States Navy with a promise of sweeping pay raises for all service members — while torching Democrats for what he called their reckless mishandling of the federal budget.
Speaking before thousands of sailors, officers, and their families, Trump assured troops that they would be taken care of, even as the government remains partially shut down due to Congress’s failure to pass the 2026 appropriations bills. “The U.S. Navy always stands for America, and as your commander in chief, I will always stand for you,” Trump said. “And I want you to know that despite the Democrat-induced shutdown, we will get our service members every last penny. Don’t worry about that.”
Trump then dropped the headline announcement: a full “across the board” pay raise for all branches of the U.S. military, building on the 3.8% boost he promised just days ago in meetings with top generals. “You’ve earned it, and you’ll get it,” he said, drawing extended cheers from the crowd. “We’re not playing games with our warriors.”
The remarks came as part of a larger campaign to reinvest in the American military — particularly the Navy, which Trump promised to expand with a new fleet of American-made ships and modernized shipyards. “We’re going to be building lots of ships and doing lots of things that you haven’t seen happen for 35 years,” he said. “We’ll soon revitalize our shipyards with hundreds of millions of dollars in new investments and new people coming from all around the world — and they’re going to build ships in America. We want them built in America.”
The president also slammed congressional Democrats for blocking military funding while funneling billions to illegal immigration and foreign priorities. “We’re ready to rebuild the greatest Navy the world has ever known,” Trump said, “but we can’t do it while Democrats are giving all our money to illegal aliens. That’s over.”
He pointed to the ongoing government shutdown — which began on October 1st after lawmakers failed to pass the 2026 budget — as proof that Democrats are playing politics with the military’s future. The shutdown has left thousands of government workers, including many in the armed forces, in limbo regarding pay and benefits. Trump’s message was meant to reassure them that help is on the way — and that his administration isn’t waiting around for approval from the other side.
Trump also praised the Navy’s historic recruiting numbers, noting that 2025 had marked the best year on record for new enlistments. “America’s sailors have proven time and again that our Navy does just the best job there is,” he said. “We own the skies, we stalk the depths, and we rule the seas. We don’t know anything about defeat.”
He added, “Whenever our nation is threatened, and whenever duty calls, American sailors will hoist our flag high and they will rally. With your help, we will fight, fight, fight — and we will win, win, win. Because of you, our Navy and our country will always be proud and righteous and mighty and free.”
The event was also attended by First Lady Melania Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, both of whom praised the dedication of American sailors and the Trump administration’s commitment to military readiness. Hegseth, speaking after the president, emphasized Trump’s America First doctrine and plans to bolster every branch of the military. “President Trump has made our mission clear: America First and peace through common sense at every turn,” Hegseth said. “We are going to continue growing this Navy — more sailors, more ships, more submarines, and more munitions. Nobody in the world does it better than the United States Navy.”
In a line that drew a standing ovation, Hegseth added, “Your diversity is not your strength. Your strength is your unity of purpose, your shared mission, your love of country.”
The Norfolk event served both as a celebration of the Navy’s 250 years of service and a clear reminder that Trump’s defense priorities remain focused on strength, sovereignty, and support for those who serve. Amid economic uncertainty and global unrest, Trump’s promise was direct: “You protect America, and I will always protect you.”
The post Trump Promises Military Pay Raises, Slams Democrats at Navy’s 250th Birthday Celebration appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
