President Donald Trump commemorated Memorial Day with a notable address at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, seamlessly transitioning from a tribute to fallen heroes to a critique of the current administration. His speech reflected a blend of honor for military service members and political commentary, as he rallied support for his allies and future events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
Trump commenced his address by lauding the dedication of his administration members, specifically highlighting Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He affectionately described Hegseth as “a tough cookie” who has faced significant challenges. The president took a moment to honor the sacrifices made by fallen service members and their Gold Star families, reflecting on the bravery that has shaped the nation’s history. “Their valor gave us the freest, greatest, and most noble republic ever to exist on the face of the Earth,” he stated, setting a solemn tone that quickly shifted to political matters.
As he praised the sacrifices of military personnel, Trump pivoted to criticize the previous administration without explicitly naming former President Joe Biden. He asserted that the country is “now doing so very well” under his leadership, lamenting the state of the nation during the previous four years. “Who would let that happen, people pouring through our borders unchecked, people doing things that are indescribable and not for today to discuss,” he lamented, drawing cheers from the audience.
After honoring the memory of three fallen “great, great warriors,” Trump shifted his message once again, promoting an upcoming military parade in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. This significant event coincides with Trump’s own 79th birthday in June. “In some ways, I’m glad I missed that second term, because I wouldn’t be your president for that most important of all,” he remarked. He then enthusiastically mentioned the upcoming World Cup and Olympics, expressing excitement over the opportunities these events present. “I have everything. It’s amazing the way things work out. God did that, I believe that too,” he added, emphasizing a sense of optimism for the future.
In addition to his speech, Trump marked Memorial Day with an early morning post on Truth Social, his social media platform. In a passionate message, he criticized “the scum that spent the last four years trying to destroy our country” and condemned “USA hating judges who suffer from an ideology that is sick.” This sentiment resonated with his supporters, reinforcing his stance as a leader focused on national pride and resilience.
Overall, Trump's Memorial Day address blended heartfelt tributes with pointed political remarks, reinforcing his commitment to his supporters and highlighting key upcoming events that aim to unite the nation.
