President Donald Trump hailed the U.S. Navy during an event commemorating the Navy's 250th anniversary on Oct. 5 at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, saying America's enemies "tremble at the sight of a Navy ship" and that military members will receive a pay raise.

The celebration to "mark 250 years of MARITIME DOMINANCE in the United States of America!" as Trump described it in a Truth Social post, took place amid a government shutdown, as military personnel work without pay, and thousands of federal employees are furloughed.

At the event, Trump blamed the Democrats for the shutdown — and promised "across-the-board" pay raises for service members.

"Despite the current Democrat-induced shutdown, we will get our service members every last penny,” he said. "Don’t worry about it. It’s all coming. It’s coming. And even more because I’m supporting the across-the-board pay raises for every sailor and service member of the United States Armed Forces."

Days before the event, Trump called out Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries by name as people responsible for the impasse and for putting a damper on the celebrations.

"Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, and the other Minority Radical Left Democrats tried their best, through the ridiculous Government Shutdown, to destroy this wonderful celebration of the U.S. Navy’s Birthday, and to stop our Military Servicemembers from celebrating American Naval History," wrote Trump on Oct. 3. "However, I believe, 'THE SHOW MUST GO ON!'"

Wearing a red "USA" hat and a red tie, Trump began his address aboard the USS Harry S. Truman with a chant of "Bravo Zulu," a military and naval signal meaning "well done." The president was joined by first lady Melania Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the event.

"Every tyrant and adversary on the planet knows their choices," he said. "Very simple. It is leave America in peace or be blown up in fire and fury never seen before."

Trump also repeated his pledge to commit $1 trillion in military spending.

UFC event at the White House

Trump also revealed the date for the White House's UFC event in 2026, in honor of America’s 250th birthday, which was announced in July. The date: June 14, which coincides with Trump's birthday.

"And on June 14th, next year, we're going to have a big UFC fight at the White House," Trump said. "Right at the White House, on the grounds of the White House."

First daughter Ivanka Trump is expected to be involved in the planning of the historic UFC fight. The White House had earlier announced the date as July 4, 2026.

Trump attended a military parade in Washington, D.C, on June 14, to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The event, which coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday and Flag Day, included a procession of thousands of soldiers in uniforms past and present, military vehicles, musical performances, and fireworks.

Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House Correspondent for USA TODAY. You can follow her on X @SwapnaVenugopal

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump supports 'across-the-board pay raises' for all US military members

Reporting by Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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