Trump Criticized for Late, Political Navy Speech

President Trump arrived nearly an hour late to the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary ceremony in Norfolk aboard the USS George H.W. Bush; First Lady Melania Trump joined him, led a threefold “Hooyah” chant, and shared affectionate moments with the president. Trump then delivered an extended, roughly hour-long, highly political speech attacking Democrats, invoked “Barack Hussein Obama,” blamed Democrats for the government shutdown, and promised pay raises and to restore sailors’ pay once the government reopens. Critics accused him of politicizing the ceremony and using dehumanizing rhetoric that undermines military nonpartisanship, and many sailors and social media users called his tardiness disrespectful. The event took place against a backdrop of a government shutdown that has left thousands of federal workers and service members unpaid; cadets and other personnel in Norfolk face losing paychecks if the shutdown continues past October 15. Earlier public appearances had also prompted concerns about Trump’s health, with observers noting heavy makeup on a bruised hand, swollen ankles and a limp.