NORFOLK, Va. – President Donald Trump headlined the U.S. Navy’s 250th-anniversary celebration at Naval Station Norfolk on Sunday, delivering a speech that lauded the service’s history while also launching partisan attacks related to the ongoing government shutdown and vowing expanded military action.
The event, intended to honor the Navy’s founding in 1775, featured dramatic flyovers and ship demonstrations for an enthusiastic crowd. The celebratory atmosphere, however, was set against the backdrop of a federal government shutdown that has furloughed hundreds of thousands of workers.
In his remarks, President Trump praised the Navy as “the greatest fighting force in the history of the world.” He also announced an escalation in military efforts to combat drug cartels, specifically linking them to Venezuela.
Yet, the Commander-in-Chief quickly shifted to domestic politics, directly blaming Democratic lawmakers for the ongoing government shutdown. His combination of historical claims about past wars and contemporary political finger-pointing drew immediate criticism online, with many accusing the President of politicizing a non-partisan military ceremony.
The White House’s official social media account promoted the event, emphasizing the President’s role as Commander-in-Chief.
As the government shutdown continues, the event in Norfolk highlighted the sharp political divisions in Washington, even at a moment intended for national unity and historical reflection.
