President Donald Trump plans to attend a major event at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on Sunday to honor the Navy's milestone, despite an ongoing government shutdown that began Wednesday.
Trump emphasized his commitment in a Friday night post on Truth Social, stating, “I believe, ‘THE SHOW MUST GO ON!’”
He described the gathering as “the largest Celebration in the History of the Navy,” with thousands of active duty servicemembers and military families expected to attend.
The shutdown has led to military personnel working without pay, furloughs for several thousand federal employees, and delays in infrastructure and energy projects in areas like New York and Chicago.
Partisan tensions have intensified over the budget impasse.
Trump accused Democrats of enabling the shutdown and attempting “to destroy this wonderful celebration of the U.S. Navy’s Birthday.”
Senate Democrats rejected proposals to continue government operations at the start of the new budget year, pointing to lapsed subsidies that could raise health insurance costs under the 2010 Affordable Care Act.
They have also pushed to reverse Medicaid cuts signed by Trump.
Mutual distrust pervades both sides. Democrats criticize the administration's refusal to spend approved funds, viewing it as a threat to the budgeting process.
Trump has considered laying off workers at what he termed “Democrat Agencies.”
First lady Melania Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Navy Secretary John Phelan are scheduled to join the president at the event.
Earlier this week, Trump addressed military leaders summoned to Virginia, proposing urban training grounds for the armed forces and stressing military strength against an “invasion from within.”
Hegseth announced an end to “woke” culture, introducing directives with “gender-neutral” or “male-level” physical fitness standards.
The administration aims to reshape Pentagon priorities, deploying resources to address domestic unrest and crime.
Additionally, Trump has authorized military strikes on four boats in the Caribbean linked to drug trafficking by cartels.