President addresses service members during Asia tour

President Donald Trump spoke with U.S. service members aboard the nuclear-powered plane provider George Washington in Yokosuka, Japan, on Tuesday morning to advertise his administration’s “peace by means of power” navy message on the world stage.

“A yr and a half in the past we had a unique nation than we have now at present,” Trump advised the navy members. “Now we’re probably the most revered nation on the earth, we are the hottest nation on the earth. And it did not take that lengthy. However I did not doubt it. I simply did not know we might do it so rapidly. We did it rapidly due to individuals such as you.”

Trump is in the midst of a whirlwind tour of Asia, together with beginning his journey in Malaysia earlier than heading to Japan and later holding a scheduled assembly with the Chinese language president Xi Jinping throughout its newest cease in South Korea Thursday. The president additionally oversaw the signing of a peace deal between Cambodia and Thailand on Sunday.

Trump’s tour this week focuses on commerce and regional safety, and comes as China exerts extra management within the South China Sea and North Korea steps up its weapons checks.

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President Donald Trump addressed U.S. service members aboard the USS George Washington in Japan on October 28, 2025, throughout his ongoing tour of Asia. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Photographs)

Trump was joined on Tuesday by newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi aboard the US plane provider, in addition to US navy leaders resembling Secretary of Conflict Pete Hegseth. In his remarks, Trump celebrated the US navy being revered once more after it sidestepped ‘political correctness’ in a bid to raised defend the US

“On the subject of defending the US, we’re not politically appropriate,” Trump stated. “We’ll defend our nation in any means we will. And that is often not the political, politically appropriate means. To any extent further, if we’re in a battle, we will win the battle. We’ll win it like nobody has ever gained earlier than.”

The troopers have been heard chanting “Trump, Trump, Trump” because the president took the stage for the primary time.

Trump thanked the navy for his or her service and added that he helps a pay elevate for each U.S. navy member within the armed forces.

The troopers have been heard chanting “Trump, Trump, Trump” as President Donald Trump took the stage for the primary time. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Photographs)

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“I additionally help an across-the-board pay improve for each sailor and navy member of the US Armed Forces,” Trump advised the group, drawing widespread applause. “Now, if you do not need it, you wish to give again to your nation. Simply tell us. We cannot give it to you. Is there anybody in that class?” he joked earlier than including that Democratic lawmakers would approve the plan.

“However now we simply need to get the Democrats to approve it. However they’ll come. They at all times do. , they at all times do,” he continued.

The federal government is at present within the midst of a shutdown that has lasted since October 1, when Senate lawmakers failed to succeed in a funding deal.

Takaichi, Japan’s first feminine prime minister, additionally addressed U.S. troops to thank them, in addition to the Japanese navy, for his or her dedication to defending the area.

“I’m really honored to have this chance to ship remarks with President Trump aboard the plane provider USS George Washington, a logo of defending freedom and peace on this area,” the Japanese chief stated, based on a translator on the occasion.

“Firstly, I want to categorical my deep respect and honest gratitude to all of the women and men in uniform. From the Japanese Self-Protection Forces and the US Armed Forces, Japan, in your dedication and dedication to making sure the peace and safety of our nation and the area day and night time,” she continued.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and President Donald Trump communicate with troops aboard the USS George Washington throughout Fleet Exercise Yokosuka on October 28, 2025 in Yokosuka, Japan. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Photographs)

Trump praised the Japanese prime minister as a “winner” in his remarks as he celebrated the US relationship with Japan after World Conflict II.

“This girl is a winner. So you already know, we instantly grew to become actually good associates as a result of their inventory market at present and our inventory market hit an all-time excessive at present. Meaning we’re doing one thing proper,” he stated.

Trump and Takaichi signed a framework deal on uncommon earths on Tuesday, because the US appears to be like to shed its dependence on China for essential minerals for issues like cellphones.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Pressure One as he travels from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Tokyo, Japan, Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

“The cherished alliance between the US and Japan is among the most exceptional relationships on the earth,” Trump continued. “Really, nothing like this has ever occurred earlier than. Our bond was born from the ashes of a horrible battle and has grown over the previous eighty many years into the attractive friendship we have now at present. It’s a basis for peace and safety within the Pacific.”

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Trump additionally introduced that the primary batch of missiles for the Japan Self-Protection Forces might be delivered to the nation later this week, whereas Takaichi underlined that Japan is “dedicated to basically strengthening its protection capabilities” and “keen to contribute much more proactively to peace and stability within the area.”

“It is the primary batch of missiles delivered to the Japanese Self-Protection Forces for the Japanese F-35s. They usually’re coming this week, in order that they’re forward of schedule,” Trump stated.

President Donald Trump concluded his speech by emphasizing that the US “has been by means of 4 unhealthy years, however now America will at all times be first,” citing the power of the US navy. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Photographs)

The president concluded his speech by emphasizing that the US “has gone by means of 4 unhealthy years, however now America will at all times be first,” citing the power of the US navy.

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“Each sailor right here at present inherits a legacy of braveness, perseverance and glory unparalleled within the lengthy historical past of the human journey at sea,” he stated. ‘It is a journey like nobody has ever taken, such as you. For 2 and a half centuries, the US Navy has preserved the imaginative and prescient of our first Commander in Chief who gave this ship its legendary title, its righteous soul and its timeless motto: “First in battle, first in peace.” Very well-known expression, George Washington. After 250 years, that’s precisely what our nation is at present. It’s first in battle, first in peace, first in wealth, first in energy, first in science, first in spirit and first in freedom.”

Amanda Macias of Fox Information Digital contributed to this report.