Overview

• President Donald Trump headlined the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary “Salute to the Fleet” on Oct. 5 at Naval Station Norfolk, addressing thousands of sailors and families.
• The visit unfolded during a federal shutdown after the Defense Department warned service members they would not be paid without congressional appropriations.
• Trump vowed service members would receive every penny and said he supports across-the-board pay raises for all troops, pledges that would still require funding approval.
• He blamed Democrats for the shutdown and described the event as rally-like, drawing cheers with hardline lines and assurances on military support.
• First lady Melania Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Navy Secretary John Phelan attended as the program showcased ship visits, live-fire demonstrations and flyovers; the administration also highlighted plans to end so-called ‘woke’ initiatives, tighten fitness standards and pursue a stated $1 trillion defense investment including expanded shipbuilding.