Trump Addresses Military at Navy Anniversary Amid Shutdown

During a ceremony marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy, Donald Trump conveyed his support for service members impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. He reassured them that they would receive “all last pennies” of their wages and promised a significant pay raise once the deadlock is resolved.

Speaking aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, Trump expressed, “I want you to know that despite the current Democrat-induced closure, we’re serving the last penny.” He added, “Don’t worry, it’s all coming.” This message comes as hundreds of thousands of federal employees, including military personnel, face financial uncertainty due to the shutdown.

Trump emphasized the severe effects of the shutdown, which began at 12:01 AM ET on Wednesday. While active duty forces continue their missions, their salaries have been paused, which is a concern for many families. Non-essential employees, integral for basic operations, have been affected as well, leading to significant impacts on support services like childcare and logistics.

In a prior address at Quantico, Trump advocated for a 3.8% pay increase for all service members, claiming, “What you didn’t get from past administrations.” This statement underscores his attempt to frame the situation in light of previous leadership failures.

Despite promises of forthcoming pay and increases, the uncertainty looms large for military families as they navigate the financial repercussions of the shutdown. The situation has extended into the fifth day, raising concerns about the well-being of those affected.

Before leaving for Norfolk, Trump criticized Democrats, suggesting they were responsible for the shutdown and declaring it could undermine the celebration of the Navy’s anniversary. He ended with the rallying cry: “The show has to continue!”