Trump Pledges Full Support to U.S. Military at Quantico
President Donald Trump told senior U.S. military leaders at Marine Corps University on Sept. 30, 2025, that he offers "unwavering support" and seeks to "reawaken the warrior spirit," promising administration changes to emphasize fitness, merit and recruiting. Speaking at Marine Corps Base Quantico and joined onstage by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Trump said the Navy, Air Force and Space Force have met or exceeded recruiting goals and criticized what he described as prior politicization of the services.
Politics
Military
🔍 Key Facts
- Date and place: Speech delivered Sept. 30, 2025 at Marine Corps Base Quantico (Marine Corps University).
- Direct quote: Trump told leaders, "I am with you, I support you, and as president, I have your backs 100%."
- Policy emphasis: Announced an administration focus on "fitness, ability, character and strength," and said Navy, Air Force and Space Force have met or surpassed recruiting targets.
📍 Contextual Background
- During a U.S. federal government shutdown, active-duty military personnel and deployed National Guard members must continue to perform their assigned duties but their pay is delayed until the shutdown ends.
- Congress enacted the Pay Our Military Act in 2013 to ensure military pay and allowances continued during a government shutdown.
- Formal recruiting figures for all U.S. military services are typically announced after the federal fiscal year ends on September 30.
- As of 2025-09-29, the U.S. Marine Corps had recruited 30,536 active duty and reserve enlisted Marines, one person above its annual goal.
- As of 2025-09-29, the U.S. Marine Corps had recruited 1,792 active duty and reserve officers, exceeding its annual officer recruiting goal by two people.
- The U.S. Navy established a program that allows up to 20% of its recruits to score below 30 out of 99 on the military's academic test, provided they meet specific standards for their chosen job.
- The U.S. Navy raised its maximum enlistment age by two years, increasing the limit to 41.