President Donald Trump marked the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy on Sunday in Norfolk, Virginia, attending military exercises alongside First Lady Melania Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The trio addressed hundreds of service members, with Trump highlighting the Navy’s historic contributions, including its pivotal role at Normandy.
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Among those honored was Felix Maurizio, a 100-year-old World War II veteran who served in both Normandy and Iwo Jima. Maurizio received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Before departing for Norfolk, Trump wrote on social media, “The United States has the greatest military, by far, in the World. This will be a show of Naval aptitude and strength.”
The celebration took place as the federal government remains shut down, leaving many service members without pay. During his remarks, Trump said he supports for military pay raises, blaming Democrats for the ongoing shutdown.
“Despite the current Democrat-induced shutdown, we will get our service members every last penny. I’m supporting pay raises for every sailor and service member of the United States Armed Forces,” Trump said. “But we have to take care of this little gnat that sits on our shoulder called the Democrats. They want to give all our money to the illegal aliens that pour into the country.”
Senate Democrats rejected a budget proposal, which would have taken effect last Wednesday. Disagreements over health insurance costs and Medicaid remain key sticking points. The Republican-backed plan passed the House, but has not met the 60-vote threshold required in the Senate. The Senate is scheduled to reconvene Monday.
