Trump Holds Navy 'Salute to the Fleet' in Norfolk

President Trump held a large “Salute to the Fleet” event in Norfolk marking the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary despite a federal government shutdown. Speaking before thousands of sailors with Navy planes overhead, he declared on Truth Social “THE SHOW MUST GO ON!,” mixed praise for the service with partisan attacks blaming Democrats for the shutdown, and promised service members they would get “every last penny,” while signaling support for across‑the‑board pay raises. The program featured ships on display and public outreach activities and closed with a recorded playing of “YMCA.” He was joined by First Lady Melania Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Navy Secretary John Phelan. Critics warned the celebration risked politicizing the military and highlighted poor optics as many active‑duty personnel and other federal workers remained unpaid or furloughed, while Democrats said they rejected short‑term funding over lapsed ACA subsidies and Medicaid issues and labor groups challenged furlough practices in court.