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President Donald Trump on Tuesday praised the strength of the U.S. military and urged Congress to approve a $350 billion defense package when lawmakers return to Washington, arguing the funding is needed to maintain American military superiority.
In a Truth Social post while traveling to a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, the president said the U.S. armed forces are stronger than ever under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
“The United States Military has never been stronger, or more powerful,” he wrote. “No other Nation can do what we do (It’s not even close!).”
The president pointed to what he described as record military recruiting, high morale, and the armed forces’ role in the recent celebration marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“Our Military’s unmatched POWER was on full display during our Celebration of 250 Years of American Independence,” President Trump wrote, adding that the Department of War had never been “hotter.”
The president called on congressional leaders to make passage of a new reconciliation package a top priority when lawmakers return from recess.
“We must pass Reconciliation 3.0, with 350 Billion Dollars for Defense, plus THE SAVE AMERICA ACT!” he wrote, urging House and Senate leadership to move the proposal quickly through the budget process.
Hegseth later reposted Trump’s comments on social media.
President Trump’s remarks came as he traveled to the NATO summit, where defense spending and alliance commitments are expected to be central topics. The president has repeatedly pressed NATO members to increase defense expenditures and has argued that U.S. allies should shoulder a larger share of the alliance’s costs.
The president’s latest comments also follow recent discussions about expanding U.S. defense production, as military operations in the Middle East have increased demand for munitions.
In several additional Truth Social posts, Trump highlighted his recent trip to North Dakota for the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, shared images from the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, and posted photographs of the restored Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Trump also pointed to declining oil prices and lower consumer prices on some retail goods, arguing his administration’s economic policies are benefiting American consumers.
