President Trump honoured the Navy to celebrate by blocking the government’s suspension in Virginia on Sunday.
“The show has to continue!” Trump posted on his social media site Friday night. And before he left the White House to Naval Base Norfolk, he wrote, “This would be a show of naval aptitude and strength.”
The government shutdown, which began Wednesday, sparked partisan responsibility in both directions as military personnel work unpaid, filled with thousands of federal employees, and Trump holds energy projects in democratically operated areas such as New York and Chicago.
Events designed to honor the Navy can be dragged into bitter politics.
Trump accused Democrats of attempting to allow the shutdown and “destroy this fantastic celebration of the US Navy’s birthday in his post.
Senate Democrats have rejected efforts to maintain government operations as the new budget year began Wednesday. They cited the expiration of grants that could cause health insurance costs to rise rapidly for those who receive coverage through the Affordable Care Act of 2010. Democrats also tried to reverse the Medicaid cuts that Trump signed into law.
In addition, both sides cite mutual distrust.
Democrats oppose Trump’s move to reject his administration to use funds approved by Congress, saying it undermines the budgeting process, among other concerns. Meanwhile, Trump threatened to fire federal workers for what he called a “Democrat agency.”
Among those participating in Trump were Mrs. Melania Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses, Secretary of Defense John Phelan, Secretary of Veterans Doug Collins, and former rear navy admiral Ronnie Jackson (R-Texas), who was a White House physician during Trump’s first term.
After arriving in Norfolk, Trump went to USS George HW Bush, chatted with the sailors and handed out challenge coins.
Trump watched the military demonstrations while standing on the deck of the aircraft carrier. The naval destroyer fired missiles and fired shells into the Atlantic. Helicopters and fighter jets escaped the Navy seals.
Awaiting Trump’s speech was a massive crowd on the pier, mostly the white uniforms in their dresses and some family sailors.
Trump on Tuesday worked on a gathering of military leaders suddenly summoned by Hegses from around the world to Virginia. The Republican president proposed using American cities as a military training ground, and spoke about the need for military strength to combat what he called an “inner invasion.” Hegseth declared the end of the culture of “wake” and issued new military commands that include “gender neutral” or “male level” standards for physical fitness.
The administration is trying to reconstruct the pentagonal culture and use military resources for presidential priorities. This includes quelling domestic unrest and fighting what he calls a surge in violent crime despite opposing statistics.
Trump has also been engaging US troops in armed conflicts he says he is targeting foreign drug cartels, leading to four deadly strikes on Caribbean boats that Washington says are involved in human trafficking. Critics have called attacks extrajudicial killings in violation of international law.
Boak and Finley wrote for the Associated Press and reported from Washington and Norfolk, respectively.
