YOKOSUKA, JAPAN Oct 28, 2025 – President Donald Trump landed on the flight deck of the USS George Washington via Marine One on Tuesday, delivering a fiery address to hundreds of cheering U.S. sailors and Marines stationed at this key naval base, as he underscored America’s military dominance and resolve in the face of global threats.
Flanked by the carrier’s towering superstructure and the Stars and Stripes whipping in the Pacific breeze, Trump praised the troops’ sacrifices and service, vowing that “if we’re in a war, we will win the war” – a line that drew thunderous applause from the uniformed crowd. The event, part of Trump’s broader Asia tour, came hours after his morning meeting with Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, where the leaders discussed bolstering alliances against regional adversaries like China.
“You are the greatest warriors this world has ever known,” Trump declared in remarks broadcast live from the Yokosuka Naval Base, home to the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet. He highlighted recent investments in naval power, including the USS George Washington’s role in forward-deployed operations, and criticized domestic political gridlock back home – a nod to the ongoing government shutdown led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer that has delayed military paychecks. “We’re fighting for you every day, even when the radicals try to shut us down,” he added, eliciting chants of “USA! USA!” from the deck
The visit marked a symbolic show of force in the Indo-Pacific, where tensions with Beijing over Taiwan and the South China Sea continue to simmer. Trump reiterated his “America First” doctrine, emphasizing that U.S. forces would deter aggression through unmatched strength rather than endless entanglements. Earlier, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth toured the carrier, thanking personnel for their resilience amid the shutdown and distributing morale-boosting messages.
Troops appeared energized by the president’s presence, with behind-the-scenes moments capturing lighthearted touches like a Navy officer tossing Halloween candy – including Twix bars and Japanese treats – to waiting service members ahead of Trump’s arrival. Social media buzzed with patriotic fervor, as videos of the speech racked up thousands of views and shares on X, formerly Twitter, under hashtags like #SupportOurTroops and #MAGA.
This stop follows Trump’s high-profile engagements in Tokyo, where he and Takaichi pledged deeper economic and security ties, including joint exercises to counter North Korean provocations. Analysts see the carrier visit as a morale booster for forward-deployed forces, who have faced funding uncertainties due to the partisan standoff in Washington.
No new policy announcements emerged from the remarks, but the outing reinforces Trump’s pattern of direct engagement with the military – a hallmark of his administration. As the president wraps his Asia itinerary, eyes turn to potential ripple effects on U.S.-Japan defense pacts amid escalating global uncertainties.
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