Shutdown or not, the show goes on — and so does the Trump dance. In Norfolk, Virginia, the Navy’s 250th anniversary bash turned into a spectacle Sunday when US President Donald Trump capped his speech with his trademark moves to ‘YMCA,’ sending a crowd of 10,000 roaring with delight.The shutdown has resulted in thousands of federal employees being furloughed and has delayed key projects in Democratic-run areas such as New York and Chicago. Trump criticised Democrats for the impasse, assuring that service members would receive their full pay despite the stalemate. Senate Democrats, however, expressed concerns over healthcare subsidies, Medicaid cuts, and spending priorities, leading them to reject efforts to extend government operations. During the celebration, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited the USS George HW Bush, where they met with sailors, distributed challenge coins, and observed military demonstrations.

Sailors chant ‘USA! USA! USA!’ as Trump ends his speech

“Let’s face it, this is a rally,” President Donald J. Trump told a crowd of approximately 10,000 sailors dressed in white uniforms on Sunday. The event took place on a pier situated between two towering Navy vessels, an aircraft carrier and an amphibious assault ship. A Navy fighter jet, bearing the inscription “President Donald J. Trump ‘45-47’” on its fuselage beneath the cockpit window, was displayed on the carrier. Navy planes flew overhead as the President commenced his speech, energising the crowd and prompting many sailors to chant “USA! USA! USA!”Trump criticised his political opponents and attacked Democratic lawmakers amidst a government shutdown entering its fifth day. The shutdown has resulted in military personnel working without pay until the government reopens. “I want you to know that despite the current Democrat induced shutdown, we will get our service members every last penny. Don’t worry about it,” Trump assured, receiving cheers from the audience. Addressing the generals, Trump proposed utilising US cities as training grounds for the armed forces and emphasised the necessity of military strength to combat what he described as the “invasion from within.” Hegseth declared an end to “woke” culture and announced new directives for troops, including “gender-neutral” and “male-level” standards for physical fitness. The administration is endeavouring to reshape Pentagon culture and deploy military resources to advance the President’s priorities, which include suppressing domestic unrest and violent crime. Additionally, Trump has involved the military in armed conflict with drug cartels, resulting in four strikes on boats in the Caribbean that Washington claims were engaged in trafficking.