AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar – President Donald Trump quipped Wednesday that while his budget includes raises for service personnel, they are free to turn it down as a sacrifice to their country.
Trump, speaking to U.S. troops at the air base, praised them as the key to America’s military.
“The real strength of our military doesn’t come from its fighter jets,” Trump said. “It really comes from our people. That’s you. It comes from our people.”
That’s when Trump offered the chance for the troops to make a sacrifice.
“You’re incredible. You’re a very special group of people,” Trump said. “That’s why, in my 2026 budget, includes across the board … pay raises for each and every one of you. Substantial pay raises. But you don’t have to take it.”
“Maybe you don’t want it. Look, for the good of the country you don’t have to take it,” Trump said. “You can go to your commanding officer and say, ‘Sir, I’d rather not take that pay. I love my country. I don’t want; I refuse to take it.”
The president then asked for a show of hands from those who will refuse to take the pay increase, but none were raised.
“At least we have smart people. That’s good,” Trump said. “So, you do your duty to us, and as commander in chief I will always do my duty to you.”
Trump opened his speech talking about America’s military power, The Associated Press said.
“As president, my priority is to end conflicts, not start them, but I will never hesitate to wield American power if it’s necessary to defend the United States of America or our partners,” Trump said. “And this is one of our great partners right here” in Qatar.
He added: “When we’re threatened, America’s military will answer our enemies without even thinking about it. We have overwhelming strength and devastating force.”
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