Speaking from the USS Harry S. Truman stationed in Norfolk, Virginia President Donald Trump said Sunday that he would call for pay raises for sailors after blaming Democrats for the government shutdown.
‘Do not worry about it,’ Trump said as he promised to get sailors their money back when the government reopens. Sailors in attendance cheered and clapped.
Trump blamed his political opponents for the mess in Washington, adding that ‘we have to take care of this little gnat that’s on our shoulder called the Democrats. They want to give all our money to illegal aliens that pour into the country.’
The president also noted that there was a ‘waiting list for people wanting to get into the United States, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines,’ and even the Space Force.’
Trump is attending the celebration of the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday alongside his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of the Navy John Phelan.
President Trump’s remarks were preceded by a few rare public lines from the First Lady, during which she recalled a similar interaction with sailors from the USS George H.W. Bush, in 2018, and the ‘pride and professionalism of the sailors’ she met on that vessel.
As he left the White House for Norfolk this morning, Trump told reporters, ‘we’re going to have a big day, one of the biggest. We’re celebrating our Navy and our military.’
‘We have the greatest military anywhere in the world, not even close, as you probably noticed, and we rebuilt it largely during my first term, and now I get to see it in action,’ the President also noted.
Upon arriving in Norfolk, President Trump and the First Lady, Melania Trump, observed a demonstration of naval sea power from aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, which included displays of firepower as well as various maritime aircraft, including F-18s and F-35s, taking off from aircraft carriers.
Sunday’s event was initially scheduled for Friday, but was delayed due to anticipated inclement weather. The Navy’s official birthday is October 13th.
The celebration of the Navy’s 250th birthday comes as service members are unsure when their next paycheck will arrive due to the government shutdown caused by gridlock in Washington, D.C.
U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump disembark Air Force One at Naval Station Norfolk Chambers Field, Virginia, U.S. October 5, 2025
Sailors and their families gather as aircraft is seen on the USS Harry S. Truman at a celebration for the United States Navy’s 250th anniversary at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia, United States on October 5, 2025
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump pose for a photo with sailors as part of the Navy’s 250th anniversary celebration, aboard the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Norfolk, Va., Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025
Sailors stand near a E-2 Hawkeye before President Donald Trump arrives to speak during a celebration for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Harry S. Truman at Naval Station Norfolk, Sunday Oct. 5, 2025 in Norfolk, Va
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump watch a naval sea power demonstration, part of the Navy’s 250th anniversary celebration, aboard the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Norfolk, Va., Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Despite the shutdown, President Trump posted Friday on his social media platform Truth Social, ‘I believe, ‘THE SHOW MUST GO ON!’
He also posted Sunday before leaving the White House for Naval Station Norfolk, that the day’s ‘festivities will be a show of Naval aptitude and strength.’
Other members of the president’s inner circle who made the journey to Norfolk included Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Representative Ronny Jackson, Domestic Policy Council head Vince Haley, and Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley.