Trump Turns Navy’s 250th Anniversary into Rally Amid Shutdown

President Donald Trump transformed the Navy’s 250th anniversary celebration into a rally-like event on Sunday, undeterred by the ongoing government shutdown. Speaking aboard the USS George HW Bush, Trump addressed a crowd of approximately 10,000, blending praise for the Navy’s storied history with self-congratulation and sharp criticism of Democratic lawmakers.

The event, marked by a military demonstration featuring missile launches, Navy SEAL descents, and fighter jet takeoffs, took on a campaign atmosphere as Trump’s theme song, “YMCA” by Village People, played to close the festivities. “Let’s be honest, this is basically a rally,” Trump quipped, drawing cheers from attendees.

As the government shutdown reached its fifth day, Trump assured the crowd that service members would receive “every last penny” despite the budget impasse. The shutdown, which began Wednesday, has furloughed thousands of federal workers and halted key infrastructure projects in Democratic-led cities like New York and Chicago. Trump blamed Democrats, accusing them of blocking government funding over disputes involving Affordable Care Act subsidies and Medicaid cuts he previously signed into law.

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Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Navy Secretary John Phelan, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, and Representative Ronny Jackson, a former Navy rear admiral, Trump handed out challenge coins to sailors aboard the aircraft carrier. He lauded the Navy’s legacy, claiming it has “never failed to hunt, kill, and win.”

Trump’s appearance underscored his administration’s push to expand the military’s role in domestic affairs. He has proposed using U.S. cities as training grounds for troops and deploying National Guard units to cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland to address what he calls an “invasion from within.” California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Trump’s plan to send California’s National Guard to Portland, citing prior court rulings blocking similar deployments.

The president’s recent moves include escalating military involvement in combating drug cartels, with four strikes on trafficking boats in the Caribbean. At a separate meeting with global military leaders in Virginia, Trump and Hegseth outlined new Pentagon directives, including eliminating “woke” culture and introducing “gender-neutral” or “male-level” fitness standards.

Democrats have decried Trump’s refusal to spend congressionally approved funds, arguing it undermines the budgeting process. Meanwhile, the administration is exploring layoffs at agencies Trump labeled as “Democrat-run.” Despite the political tensions, Trump’s Norfolk visit highlighted his ability to command attention, blending military pride with his signature showmanship.

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