Trump Addresses Sailors at Yokosuka Naval Base Amid Government Shutdown

On October 28, 2025, President Donald Trump delivered a nearly hour-long speech aboard the USS George Washington at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, addressing approximately 6,000 U.S. and Japanese sailors. The speech covered various topics, including military pay, drug cartels, and defense capabilities. Trump expressed gratitude to the service members, stating, “On behalf of all Americans, I just want to say it loud and clear: Thank you very much.” He announced his support for an "across-the-board pay raise for every sailor," despite the ongoing government shutdown, which had reached 28 days at the time.

Stars and StripesNewsmax (website)CNN

During his address, Trump highlighted the Navy's recruitment achievements, noting that 2025 marked the best recruitment numbers in decades, with nearly 41,000 new sailors enlisted in fiscal 2024. He attributed this success to the administration's policies and expressed a commitment to enhancing military capabilities, including a focus on traditional steam-powered catapults for aircraft carriers.

Stars and Stripes

Trump's speech also included controversial policy announcements, such as pausing the development of advanced weapons systems in favor of traditional methods. He emphasized a no-nonsense approach to military engagement, stating, “When it comes to defending the United States, we’re no longer politically correct.” Additionally, he discussed his administration's aggressive stance against drug cartels, claiming that the U.S. was winning the battle against them.

CNN

Despite the positive reception from the sailors, Trump's speech was not without criticism. Observers noted that he made no mention of the government shutdown's impact on military pay, which could affect service members if funding issues were not resolved. Critics also highlighted the politicization of the military backdrop for his speech, comparing it to previous instances where presidents faced backlash for using military settings for political purposes. Trump's remarks about deploying troops domestically to address crime were particularly contentious, raising concerns about the implications for civil-military relations.

CNN

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who spoke before Trump, praised the president's approach, stating, “What President Trump is doing is pretty simple, but it’s revolutionary.” He emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance and the need to prioritize American interests in defense matters. Meanwhile, Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who joined Trump on stage, reaffirmed Japan's commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities.

Stars and Stripes

While Trump's speech received cheers from the audience, there were conflicting reports regarding the implications of his statements on military policy and domestic deployment. Critics argue that his approach could undermine the apolitical nature of the military, a sentiment echoed by former military officials concerned about the potential for politicization.

CNN

• “On behalf of all Americans, I just want to say it loud and clear: Thank you very much,” — President Donald Trump

Stars and Stripes

• “When it comes to defending the United States, we’re no longer politically correct,” — President Donald Trump

Stars and Stripes

• “What President Trump is doing pretty simple, but it’s revolutionary,” — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Stars and Stripes

This event underscores the ongoing complexities of military engagement and domestic policy under the Trump administration, particularly in the context of heightened political tensions and a government shutdown.

CNN