Washington is now embroiled in day five of a federal government shutdown after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach a compromise before the October 1 deadline. On Sunday, former President Donald Trump repeatedly blamed Democrats for engineering the shutdown, which has resulted in job losses for federal workers and forced military members to work without pay.
“It’s taking place right now,” Trump told reporters after returning to the White House on Sunday. “It’s all because of the Democrats. The Democrats are causing the loss of a lot of jobs with their… it’s a shutdown. It’s their shutdown, not our shutdown.”
### Hegseth Pledges to Reshape War Department After Decades of Decay
Despite the shutdown, the president did not let the situation deter him from championing the Navy over the weekend. Trump’s speech on Sunday highlighted the superiority of the U.S. Navy compared to any other nation’s fleet. The event included a powerful aerial display as Navy planes flew overhead at the beginning of his address.
“We’re gathered on this storied waterfront to celebrate 250 years of strength, tenacity, and unwavering courage by the greatest fighting force,” Trump said. “There’s nothing like the fighting force that we have. Roam the seas. It’s called the U.S. Navy. And there’s nothing in the world like it, nothing, not even close.”
The event bore a strong resemblance to Trump’s campaign rallies, featuring Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” playing before he took the stage and ending with the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.”
“This is sort of a rally. Let’s face it, this is a rally. This is a speech of love,” Trump conceded. “We all love our country.”
### Navy Demonstration aboard USS George H. W. Bush
Before delivering his speech, Trump participated in a one-hour Navy demonstration aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush. During the demonstration, Navy SEALs performed a landing on one of the ships using ropes descending from a helicopter.
Trump was accompanied by several members of his inner circle and Cabinet, including First Lady Melania Trump, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, Navy Secretary John Phelan, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, and Representative Ronny Jackson (R-TX).
### Recent Military Leadership Summit and Changes
The trip to Norfolk came just days after Trump and Hegseth summoned military leaders from around the world to Quantico, Virginia. During this summit, Hegseth announced new initiatives aimed at reforming the War Department, including the enforcement of stricter shaving and physical fitness standards.
On Sunday, sailors at the Norfolk Naval Base appeared more engaged with the president and War Secretary Hegseth than the senior officials gathered in Quantico earlier.
### Celebrating 250 Years of the U.S. Navy
Many sailors cheered and laughed at Trump’s quips as he lauded the Navy’s might. Before departing, Trump delivered an encouraging message to the assembled sailors:
“With your help, we will fight, fight, fight. We will win, win, win,” he said. “You are the Navy, and our country will always be proud and righteous and mighty and free. Congratulations once again on 250 years of total dominance. Sail fast. Stay strong.”
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/3835892/trump-pay-raise-navy-armed-services-government-shutdown/