When President Donald J. Trump stands in front of a group of service members and promises a “substantial” pay raise, he doesn’t just mean tossing a few bucks their way and calling it a day. No, he’s talking about rewarding the very backbone of American strength—the men and women who actually do the work—not the bureaucrats pushing paper in D.C. And when he delivers that message at Al Udeid Air Base, one of the crown jewels of U.S. military infrastructure in the Middle East, it isn’t just a speech. It’s a statement.
This wasn’t just your average pep rally for the troops. Trump took the opportunity to go full throttle on one of the most disgraceful episodes in modern military history: Biden’s chaotic, humiliating withdrawal from Afghanistan. Thirteen brave American troops lost their lives in an exit strategy that looked more like a fire drill gone wrong. And Biden? He acted like the whole thing was a success story. As if leaving billions in military equipment behind for the Taliban was just another Tuesday. Trump reminded everyone in that room—and those watching—that under his leadership, respect for the military wasn’t lip service. It was policy, action, and accountability.
Trump’s message to the troops was loud and clear: not only are you the best in the world—you’re going to be treated like it. That means top-tier equipment, strategic leadership, and yes, cold hard cash in your paycheck. You know, things that actually matter to the people putting their lives on the line every day, as opposed to lectures about “climate change readiness” and “inclusive uniforms.” Because let’s be honest—when you’re dodging rocket fire, you don’t give a rip about whether your helmet is manufactured by a carbon-neutral company.
“My 2026 budget includes across the board – maybe you don’t want to look for the good of the country, you don’t have to take it – pay raises for each and every one of you. Substantial pay raises,” Trump stated.
“You are without a doubt the greatest fighting force in the history of the world. That’s the way it is. I said it last night. I said it’s strong. We have the strongest military in the world. It’s not even a contest. We have the best equipment, nobody has equipment like us, nobody has the planes or the missiles or anything else,” he continued.
“And as your commander-in-chief, I’m here to say that America’s military will soon be bigger, better, stronger, and more powerful than ever,” Trump said.
PRESIDENT TRUMP TO U.S. TROOPS 🇺🇸
“You’re a very special group of people. And that’s why in my 2026 budget, includes across the board…pay raises for each and every one of you. So you do your duty for us, and as Commander in Chief, I will always do and fulfill my duty to you.” pic.twitter.com/jogDGLioRG
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 15, 2025
The real kicker came when Trump pivoted to Qatar. This wasn’t just a goodwill tour or a photo op. This was deal-making at its finest—classic Trump. Boeing aircraft contracts, drone purchase agreements, and enhanced cooperation—all hammered out with the same country he once called out for funding terrorism. Imagine that: holding someone accountable, getting results, and then building a stronger relationship after they clean up their act. That’s what actual diplomacy looks like—not bowing, not begging, and definitely not sending pallets of cash in the dead of night.
And yet, under Biden, Qatar got the honorary title of “major non-NATO ally” in 2022—after we’d already done all the hard work of realigning our interests. It’s almost like Joe showed up at the end of the movie and took credit for the plot twist.
Trump’s remarks were more than nostalgic musings about his presidency—they were a not-so-subtle reminder of what leadership with a spine looks like. He didn’t blame others when things got tough. He didn’t run from hard decisions. And he sure as heck didn’t hide behind press secretaries when the going got rough. Instead, he stood shoulder to shoulder with our troops, promised them the tools and the support they need, and made it crystal clear: under his watch, America doesn’t retreat in chaos—it leads with strength.
You can like him or not, but when it comes to backing the troops, cutting smart deals, and refusing to apologize for American dominance, Donald Trump doesn’t play games. And judging by the applause in that hangar, the people who matter most—the ones in uniform—know exactly who’s got their six.
