On Sunday, President Trump declared “across the board pay raises” for American service members while commemorating the Navy’s 250th anniversary, criticizing Democrats for the federal government shutdown.
Speaking to a crowd of thousands at Norfolk Naval Base, Trump reassured the military personnel to remain calm, aiming a comment at “a little gnat on our shoulder called the Democrats.”
“The US Navy is a symbol of America, and as your commander in chief, I will always prioritize you,” Trump affirmed.
“I assure you that despite the government shutdown caused by the Democrats, we will ensure that every service member receives their full compensation. It’s all on the way, and more, as I back the pay increases for every sailor and member of the US armed forces.”
The promise of pay raises was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, which followed Trump’s earlier announcement to military leaders in Virginia about a 3.8% raise for all personnel.
Additionally, Trump highlighted his $1 trillion investment plan aimed at bolstering military capabilities, focusing on manufacturing ships domestically and revitalizing shipyards.
“We’re set to construct numerous ships and implement changes that haven’t been witnessed in 35 years,” he stated.
“Our shipyards will soon see significant funding of hundreds of millions of dollars and a workforce coming in from across the globe, all focused on building ships here in America. We want them made in America.”
However, he asserted that progress would only be made when Democrats cease diverting “all our money to illegal immigrants,” alluding to the ongoing federal shutdown triggered by Congress’s inability to pass the appropriations for 2026.
The impasse between the parties has resulted in numerous government staff, including military members, going without pay.
Wrapping up his speech, Trump celebrated the Navy’s remarkable recruitment success in 2025. “
America’s sailors have shown time and again that our Navy performs with unparalleled excellence,” he boasted.
“We rule the skies, monitor the depths, and command the seas. Defeat is not in our vocabulary. Across every era and region of the globe, our sailors have fought with courage, patriotism, and an indomitable spirit.
“Standing before all of you today, I am confident that whenever our nation is challenged and in need, whenever duty calls, American sailors will raise our flag high and rally… with your assistance, we will fight, fight, fight and we will triumph, triumph, triumph, ensuring that our navy and our nation remain proud, just, powerful, and free.”
First Lady Melania Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth were among those who also praised the Navy, commending their commitment and the president’s support in providing necessary resources to protect freedoms and deter threats.
Hegseth echoed Trump’s sentiments, vowing more sailors, submarines, ships, and munitions will be provided.
“President Trump has outlined our mission clearly: America first and achieving peace through wisdom at every step,” he stated, emphasizing the Navy and Marine Corps represent the “fortitude of our nation.”
“No one in the world surpasses the capabilities of the United States Navy. Your diversity does not define your strength; it is your unified mission, shared dedication, and love for our country that truly empowers you.”
