President Donald Trump pledged Sunday to deliver the largest pay increase in U.S. military history and to continue expanding the Navy, assuring service members that they would be fully compensated despite the ongoing government shutdown.
Speaking before a crowd gathered along a historic waterfront to mark the Navy’s 250th anniversary, Trump celebrated the milestone as a tribute to America’s enduring military strength.
“We are gathered on this storied waterfront to celebrate 250 years of strength, tenacity, and unwavering courage by the greatest fighting force ever to roam the seas — the United States Navy,” he said.
“As your Commander-in-Chief, I will always stand for you. I promise you that.”
The president addressed thousands of sailors, veterans, and families who attended the commemorative event, highlighting his administration’s commitment to rebuilding the U.S. military and providing increased pay for all branches of the Armed Forces.
He emphasized that the current government shutdown, which he attributed to congressional Democrats, would not interfere with military paychecks.
“Despite the current Democrat-induced shutdown, we will get our service members every last penny,” Trump said.
“Don’t worry about it. It’s all coming. It’s coming. And even more because I’m supporting the across-the-board pay raises for every sailor and service member of the United States Armed Forces.”
The government shutdown began after budget negotiations stalled in Congress over spending priorities and funding levels.
Trump maintained that his administration had made national defense a top priority, saying that America’s military should “never again be left underfunded or unprepared.”
He announced that his administration had committed “over $1 trillion” in military spending, calling it “the largest ever investment in our military’s history.”
According to Trump, this spending included modernizing weapons systems, increasing personnel support and expanding shipbuilding programs.
“We’re going to be building lots of ships and doing a lot of things that you haven’t seen happen for 35 years,” he said.
Trump was joined at the event by Secretary of the Navy Pete Hegseth, a former Army officer, who stood alongside him as the president outlined plans for a stronger, more capable Navy.
Trump praised the men and women serving across all divisions of the Navy, crediting them for maintaining America’s dominance on the seas.
“Our incredible surface warriors are the reason America’s enemies tremble at the sight of a Navy ship, haze gray or underway,” he said.
“Every tyrant and adversary on the planet knows their choice is very simple: leave America in peace or be blown up in fire and fury never seen before.”
The president devoted several minutes of his remarks to commending naval aviators, calling them “the greatest pilots in the world.”
He described their precision and courage in operating under extreme conditions, The Post Millennial (TPM) reported.
“They land screaming jets on pitching decks in the dark of night with no room for error,” Trump said. “It’s one of the greatest feats of any military in the world.”
He went on to praise America’s undersea fleet, calling the U.S. submarine force unmatched globally.
“Nobody knows where [our submarines] are, and what they carry is nothing that carries weaponry like that,” he said.
“And we’re 25 years ahead of any other country when it comes to submarines.”
Trump also recognized the Navy SEALs, calling them “some of the fiercest and most elite commandos in the history of war.”
He said the SEALs’ courage and precision had made them a symbol of American strength and resolve.
Turning to the Marine Corps, Trump described the Marines as an inseparable part of the Navy’s history.
“No roll call of Navy warriors would be complete without them,” he said.
“The Leathernecks, the Jarheads, the Devil Dogs — they have stood shoulder to shoulder with the Navy in every major conflict.”
The president reaffirmed his dedication to military families and veterans, emphasizing that they would be prioritized even during the budget impasse.
“We will never forget the sacrifices made by our service members and their families,” he said.
“This administration stands firmly behind you, no matter the political games in Washington.”
Throughout his address, Trump reiterated his administration’s defense policies, which he said focused on rebuilding and expanding U.S. forces across land, sea and air.
He said his record spending plan was designed to ensure “peace through strength” and maintain global stability through American leadership.
The anniversary event also included ceremonial honors for veterans and active-duty personnel, featuring performances by Navy bands and historical displays celebrating the service’s formation in 1775.
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As the speech drew to a close, Trump returned to his central message of loyalty to the Armed Forces. “The U.S. Navy always stands for America,” he said.
“And as your Commander-in-Chief, I will always stand for you.”
The event concluded with applause and chants from the crowd, many of whom waved flags and wore military insignia in celebration of the Navy’s 250 years of service to the nation.
Trump’s remarks underscored his administration’s defense priorities—larger budgets, modernized fleets, and increased pay for troops—while positioning the military as a key pillar of American identity and security.
