President Trump celebrated the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary at Naval Station Norfolk on Sunday despite the ongoing federal government shutdown [pbs.org#1][scmp.com#1][chicagotribune.com#1]. He told sailors not to worry about paychecks held back by the shutdown and pledged across-the-board raises for service members [thehill.com#1][nypost.com#1]. The event took on a campaign-style tone, with Trump saying “let’s face it, this is a rally” and closing with his “YMCA” theme song [scmp.com#1][pbs.org#1].
Highlights:
- Shutdown effects: The shutdown that began Wednesday has service members working without pay, thousands of federal employees furloughed, and some infrastructure and energy projects paused in cities like New York and Chicago [chicagotribune.com#1].
- Pay reassurance: Addressing sailors, Trump said not to worry about paychecks held back by the shutdown [thehill.com#1].
- Raise pledge: Trump promised “across the board” pay raises for U.S. service members [nypost.com#1].
- Rally tone: He called the celebration a rally and closed with “YMCA” as walk-off music [scmp.com#1][pbs.org#1].
- Speakers present: Fox News host Pete Hegseth also spoke at the Norfolk event [pbs.org#1][dailysignal.com#1].
Do not worry about it – President Trump
Perspectives:
- President Trump: Framed the event as a show of naval strength, criticized Democrats over the shutdown, pledged across-the-board pay raises, and reassured sailors about delayed pay. (Chicago Tribune)
- President Trump: Told sailors not to worry about paychecks held back by the shutdown. (The Hill)
- Senate Democrats: Rejected a stopgap to continue operations, citing concerns over health insurance costs if subsidies lapse and seeking to reverse Medicaid cuts; opposed declining to spend congressionally approved funds. (Chicago Tribune)
- PBS NewsHour: Reported that Trump used his speech to praise both the Navy and himself, and coverage described a rally-like atmosphere. (PBS)
Sources:
- Trump promises ‘across the board pay raises’ for US military during Navy’s 250th birthday celebration – nypost.com
- ‘The Show Must Go On:’ Trump Celebrates Navy’s 250th Birthday Amid Government Shutdown – dailysignal.com
- Trump salutes US Navy at 250th anniversary, turns event into ‘rally’ – scmp.com
- WATCH: Trump, Hegseth speak at Navy’s 250th anniversary at Naval Station Norfolk – pbs.org
- President Donald Trump will celebrate the Navy’s 250th anniversary in the midst of the shutdown – chicagotribune.com
- Trump to sailors on pay held back by shutdown: 'Do not worry about it' – thehill.com
