U.S. President Donald Trump made a bold promise to America’s armed forces during a fiery speech at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, marking the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary. Amid a partial government shutdown that left many service members working without pay, Trump pledged “across-the-board pay raises” for all U.S. military personnel.

“America’s enemies tremble at the sight of a Navy ship,” Trump told the cheering crowd of sailors and veterans. “Despite the current Democrat-induced shutdown, we will get our service members every last penny. Don’t worry about it. It’s all coming — and even more, because I’m supporting across-the-board pay raises for every sailor and service member of the United States Armed Forces.”

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The event — which Trump described on Truth Social as a celebration of “250 years of MARITIME DOMINANCE in the United States of America!” — carried both patriotic energy and political undertones.

Trump blames Democrats for the shutdown

As the federal government entered its second week of a budget impasse, thousands of military families found themselves without pay. Trump used the moment to sharply criticize Democratic leadership, accusing them of “sabotaging” the anniversary celebrations for political gain.

Days before the event, Trump singled out Chuck Schumer, Senate Democratic Leader, and Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Leader, as the main culprits behind the shutdown.

“Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, and the other Minority Radical Left Democrats tried their best, through the ridiculous Government Shutdown, to destroy this wonderful celebration of the U.S. Navy’s Birthday,” Trump wrote on October 3. “However, I believe, THE SHOW MUST GO ON!”

His remarks struck a chord with the military audience at Norfolk, many of whom stood and cheered as Trump reaffirmed his support for active-duty troops.

The setting: A Navy steeped in history

The U.S. Navy — established on October 13, 1775 — was founded even before the birth of the nation itself. The Norfolk event commemorated not only its 250-year history but also its evolving role in maintaining global maritime dominance.

Trump lauded the Navy’s legacy and modern prowess, praising American sailors for their bravery and resilience. “From the days of the Continental Navy to the battles of World War II, and now the defense of freedom across the Indo-Pacific, no nation commands the seas like ours,” he said.

He went on to add:

“Our Navy defends not just our borders, but our way of life. And I promise, as long as I’m around, our sailors will be paid fairly, honored deeply, and equipped strongly.”

Government shutdown and political blame game

The current government shutdown has furloughed over 800,000 federal employees and left military personnel working without immediate paychecks. While both parties blame each other for the stalemate, Trump framed the issue as a test of “patriotism versus politics.”

According to political analysts, the former president’s comments were both a nod to his 2028 campaign ambitions and an attempt to contrast his leadership style with what he describes as the Democrats’ “indifference toward America’s protectors.”

“Trump is making the case that he stands with the working class of the military,” said John Hudak, a political analyst at the Brookings Institution. “He’s tying patriotism directly to paychecks — and it resonates with his base.”

A vow for “every sailor and soldier”

Trump emphasized that his proposed pay raises would not be selective. “Every sailor, every soldier, every Marine, every airman — and every guardian of the U.S. Space Force — deserves better,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.

He reminded listeners that under his previous administration, military pay increased by nearly 3% annually. “We did it before, and we’ll do it again,” he said confidently.

Observers noted that the tone of the speech balanced campaign-style passion with genuine military appreciation. Trump’s message, while highly political, carried patriotic themes that resonated deeply during the Navy’s milestone celebration.

Democrats fire back

Democratic leaders, including Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, have pushed back against Trump’s comments, accusing him of exploiting the shutdown for personal political gain.

Schumer’s spokesperson said in a statement, “While the former president plays politics with military pay, Democrats are working to reopen the government and ensure our troops get the funding they deserve.”

However, Trump’s supporters argue that the shutdown is “manufactured chaos” caused by congressional gridlock, not presidential influence. His Truth Social posts, followed by millions, continued to frame the event as a “victory for American strength and unity.”

Celebrating the Navy’s spirit amid crisis

The Naval Station Norfolk event featured live performances by the Navy Band, historic ship flyovers, and tributes to fallen sailors. Despite the shadow of the shutdown, the atmosphere remained patriotic.

Trump used the moment to reflect on American resilience. “The Navy has stood strong for 250 years — through wars, through storms, through every challenge imaginable. And even now, when politics tries to divide us, our military remains united under one flag,” he said.

He ended with a signature promise:

“We will rebuild, we will restore, and we will reward every American in uniform. That’s my pledge to you — and to the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen.”

US President Donald Trump has demanded that Jay Jones, the Democratic candidate for Virginia Attorney General, withdraw from the race after explosive text messages allegedly sent by Jones in 2022 surfaced online.

The messages — now at the center of a political firestorm — appear to suggest violence against former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert, with Jones allegedly writing that the Republican should receive “two bullets to the head.”

The revelation has sent shockwaves through Virginia’s political landscape just weeks before the election.

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Trump’s Truth Social post sparks outrage

Taking to his Truth Social account on October 5, Trump didn’t hold back.

“It has just come out that the Radical Left Lunatic, Jay Jones, who is running against Jason Miyares, the GREAT Attorney General in Virginia, made SICK and DEMENTED jokes, if they were jokes at all, which were not funny,” Trump wrote.

“Even Democrats are saying it is ‘RESIGNATION FROM CAMPAIGN’ TERRITORY,” he added, urging Jones to drop out immediately and throwing his endorsement behind Republican incumbent Jason Miyares.

Trump’s post instantly went viral, igniting fierce debate over the boundaries of political rhetoric and accountability in public office.

Screenshots spark bipartisan condemnation

The controversy began when Republican House Delegate Carrie Coyner shared screenshots of her August 8, 2022 text exchange with Jones. In the messages, Jones reportedly joked about violence and later admitted the texts were sent “by mistake.”

Coyner, in an email to The Progress-Index (part of the USA TODAY Network), called the texts “disturbing and disqualifying.”

“Jay Jones wished violence on the children of a colleague and joked about shooting former Speaker Todd Gilbert,” Coyner said in a statement. “It’s disgusting and unbecoming of any public official.”

Her comments drew immediate attention from both parties, with some Democrats privately distancing themselves from Jones amid growing backlash.

National Review report triggers political earthquake

The messages were first obtained and published by the conservative-leaning outlet National Review, which has been tracking instances of escalating political hostility nationwide.

According to their report, Jones’ messages circulated just days after Charlie Kirk’s assassination, an event that reignited debate about the role of polarizing rhetoric in American politics.

In the wake of that tragedy, several incidents of politically motivated violence have been recorded — including an arson attack at the home of Josh Shapiro, the Governor of Pennsylvania, a foiled kidnapping plot against Gretchen Whitmer, and the shocking hammer assault on Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The timing of the Jones texts resurfacing — amid renewed scrutiny of violent political discourse — has amplified the controversy exponentially.

Trump leverages the moment to rally conservatives

Trump’s intervention is not just a moral rebuke — it’s a strategic move in Virginia’s closely watched attorney general race. By publicly backing Jason Miyares, Trump is consolidating conservative momentum behind the incumbent, who has gained national attention for his tough-on-crime policies and vocal defense of parental rights in education.

“Jason Miyares is doing an incredible job,” Trump posted. “He stands for LAW and ORDER — not this radical insanity we see from the Left.”

Miyares, a first-generation Cuban-American and a rising star within the Republican Party, has yet to comment directly on Trump’s post but is expected to capitalize on the endorsement as the election nears.

Jay Jones silent amid storm

As the backlash intensifies, Jay Jones has remained largely silent. His campaign has not issued an official statement addressing the leaked texts or Trump’s demands for him to withdraw. Attempts to reach his spokesperson by The Progress-Index reportedly went unanswered.

Political analysts suggest that Jones’ silence could prove politically fatal. “The longer he waits, the worse this becomes,” said Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. “In today’s media landscape, you can’t afford to be mute when your opponent — and a former president — are defining the narrative.”

Political violence under renewed spotlight

The Jones scandal has reignited America’s painful conversation about the normalization of violent rhetoric in politics.

A new national poll conducted after Charlie Kirk’s assassination indicates that most Americans — regardless of party — believe inflammatory political speech is fueling real-world violence.

As political divisions deepen heading into the 2026 election cycle, the Jones episode underscores just how combustible the intersection of rhetoric and responsibility has become.

“Disqualifying behavior,” says Coyner

Republican lawmaker Carrie Coyner reiterated her stance in a follow-up post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:

“This is not about partisanship. It’s about decency. If you joke about killing someone or their kids, you don’t deserve public office — period.”

Her words echo growing calls across Virginia for Jones to step aside, even from within his own party.

Trump’s message loud and clear

For Donald Trump, who remains the most influential figure in the Republican Party, this controversy is another chance to portray Democrats as morally compromised and unfit for leadership.

Whether Jay Jones eventually withdraws or not, Trump’s message has already reshaped the conversation — from campaign strategy to national ethics.

As Trump put it succinctly:

“He should drop out. IMMEDIATELY.”

The quiet Sunday morning service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, a suburb of Flint, Michigan, turned into tragedy when a man rammed his pickup truck into the building and opened fire on worshippers.

Police have now identified the suspect as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old resident of Burton, Michigan. Authorities confirmed that Sanford killed four people and injured eight others in a shocking act of violence that has left the local community in mourning.

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The attack

At approximately 10:25 a.m. on September 28, Sanford drove his vehicle into the church packed with hundreds of congregants. According to Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye, the suspect then exited the truck armed with an assault rifle and began firing “several rounds” at terrified attendees.

Officials said Sanford also used gasoline as an accelerant to ignite a fire inside the church, further escalating the chaos. Worshippers scrambled for safety as smoke and gunfire filled the sanctuary.

Victims and condition

Of the eight injured, authorities confirmed one remains in critical condition while seven others are in stable condition. The identities of the victims have not yet been released publicly. Community members gathered for a candlelight vigil outside the church Sunday night, holding hands and praying for those who lost their lives.

How the standoff ended

After unleashing terror inside the church, Sanford exchanged gunfire with responding officers in the parking lot. He was fatally shot during the confrontation, ending the immediate threat but leaving behind haunting questions about his motive.

Michigan State Police described the incident as “one of the deadliest mass shootings in the state in recent years.”

Who was Thomas Jacob Sanford?

Law enforcement officials are still piecing together Sanford’s background. Records confirm he was a longtime resident of Burton, Michigan. Neighbors described him as “quiet but troubled,” though no official motive has been established.

Investigators are now combing through Sanford’s digital history, social media activity, and any potential ties to extremist groups. At this stage, authorities have not confirmed whether the attack was religiously or politically motivated.

Reactions pour in

The tragedy has drawn national attention. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said she was “heartbroken for the victims and their families” and vowed to support law enforcement in the investigation.

President Joe Biden’s administration has also been briefed, with the White House releasing a statement condemning the violence and offering federal support to Michigan authorities.

Faith leaders across the country expressed solidarity with the congregation. Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, urged members “not to lose hope in the face of such darkness.”

A community in shock

Grand Blanc residents are struggling to process the horror. “This is a place we thought was safe, a house of God,” one church member told local reporters, his voice breaking. “We never imagined something like this could happen here.”

Counselors have been made available for survivors and families of the victims. Local schools in the Flint area also announced they would provide grief support services for students and staff impacted by the shooting.

The bigger picture

The Michigan church attack comes amid a broader national debate on gun violence and security at places of worship. Advocacy groups like Everytown for Gun Safety have reiterated their calls for stronger legislation, while law enforcement agencies stress the need for preparedness against mass casualty events.

For now, the question haunting Grand Blanc is simple but profound: why? Why would Thomas Jacob Sanford unleash such horror on innocent worshippers? Authorities have promised answers, but for the families who lost loved ones, no explanation will ever be enough.