President addresses military during Asia tour

President Donald Trump spoke Tuesday morning with U.S. service members aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier George Washington in Yokosuka, Japan, to promote his administration’s military message of “peace through strength” on the world stage.

“A year and a half ago, we had a different country than we do today,” Trump told the military. “Now we are the most respected country in the world, we are the hottest country in the world. And it didn’t take too long. But I had no doubt. I just didn’t know we were going to do it this fast. We did it this fast because of people like you.”

Trump is in the middle of a whirlwind tour across Asia, including starting his trip in Malaysia, before heading to Japan and later holding a planned meeting with the Chinese president. Xi Jinping during its final stopover in South Korea on Thursday. The president also oversaw the signing of a peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand on Sunday.

Trump’s tour this week focuses on trade and regional security, and comes as China asserts greater control over the South China Sea and North Korea increases its weapons testing.

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President Donald Trump spoke to U.S. military personnel aboard the USS George Washington in Japan on October 28, 2025, as part of his ongoing tour of Asia. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Trump was joined Tuesday by newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi aboard the U.S. aircraft carrier, as well as U.S. military leaders such as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Trump celebrated in his remarks that the U.S. military was being respected again after shaking up “political correctness” in an effort to better defend the United States.

“When it comes to defending the United States, we are no longer politically correct,” Trump said. “We’re going to defend our country any way we can. And that’s generally not the politically correct way. From now on, if we’re at war, we’re going to win the war. We’re going to win it like no one ever has.”

Soldiers were heard chanting “Trump, Trump, Trump” when the president first took the stage.

Trump thanked service members for their service and added that he supports a pay raise for every U.S. service member in the armed forces.

Soldiers were heard chanting “Trump, Trump, Trump” as President Donald Trump took the stage for the first time. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Trump’s attention turns to Japan and South Korea as his Asia trip continues

“I also support an across-the-board pay raise for all sailors and service members in the United States Armed Forces,” Trump told the crowd, drawing widespread applause. “Now, if you don’t want it, you want to give it back to your country. Let us know. We won’t give it to you. Is there anyone in this category?” he joked before adding that Democratic lawmakers would approve the plan.

“But now all we have to do is get the Democrats to approve it. But they will come. They always do. You know, they always do that,” he continued.

The government is currently in the midst of a shutdown that has lasted since Oct. 1, when Senate lawmakers failed to reach a funding deal.

Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, also spoke to U.S. troops to thank them and the Japanese military for their dedication to protecting the region.

“I am truly honored to have this opportunity to deliver a speech with President Trump aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, a symbol of protecting freedom and peace in this region,” the Japanese leader said, according to a translator at the event.

“First of all, I would like to express my deep respect and sincere gratitude to all men and women in uniform. On behalf of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the United States Forces, Japan, for your dedication and commitment to safeguarding the peace and security of our nation and the region, day and night,” she continued.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and President Donald Trump speak to troops aboard the USS George Washington during Yokosuka Fleet Activities October 28, 2025, in Yokosuka, Japan. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Trump hailed the Japanese prime minister as a “winner” in his remarks, while celebrating U.S.-Japan relations after World War II.

“This woman is a winner. So, you know, we became very close friends all of a sudden because their stock market today and our stock market today hit an all-time high. That means we’re doing something right,” he said.

Trump and Takaichi signed a framework agreement on rare earths on Tuesday as the United States seeks to stop relying on China for minerals critical to making items such as cell phones.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One during a trip from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Tokyo, Japan, Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

“The cherished alliance between the United States and Japan is one of the most remarkable relationships in the world,” Trump continued. “In reality, nothing like it has ever existed. Born from the ashes of a terrible war, our ties have grown over eight decades into the beautiful friendship we maintain. It is the foundation of peace and security in the Pacific.”

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Trump also announced that the first batch of missiles for the Japanese Self-Defense Forces would be delivered to the country later this week, while Takaichi stressed that Japan is “committed to fundamentally strengthening its defense capability” and “ready to contribute even more proactively to peace and stability in the region.”

“This is the first batch of missiles delivered to the Japan Self-Defense Forces for the Japanese F-35s. And they’re arriving this week, so they’re ahead of schedule,” Trump said.

President Donald Trump concluded his speech by emphasizing that the United States has been through “four bad years, but now America will always be first,” citing the strength of the U.S. military. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

The president concluded his speech by emphasizing that the United States has been through “four bad years, but from now on, America will always be first,” citing the strength of the American military.

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“Every sailor here today inherits a legacy of courage, courage and glory unrivaled in the long history of humanity’s voyages on the seas,” he said. “It’s a journey like no one has ever taken, as you have. For two and a half centuries, the United States Navy has preserved the vision of our first Commander in Chief who gave this ship its legendary name, its righteous soul and its timeless motto, ‘first in war, first in peace.’ Very famous phrase, George Washington. After 250 years, that is exactly what our country is today. It is first in war, first in the peace, first in wealth, first in power, first in science, first in the spirit and first in freedom. »

Amanda Macias of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.