Trump to U.S. Troops: “As Commander in Chief, I Will Always Fulfill My Duty to You.”

But the real strength of our military doesn't come from its fighter jets. It really comes from our people. That's you. Comes from our people. You're unbelievable people. The aptitude and all of the things you have to do to do what you do. You know, I look at some of those engines, and I'm a pretty smart cookie. I would tell you. I'm real smart. And I look at you, and you take those engines apart and put them back together blindfolded and fix them up. It's amazing what you're able to do. And then to fly them, just incredible. You're incredible. You're a very special group of people. And that's why in my 2026 budget includes across the board, maybe you don't want it. Look, for the good of the country, you don't have to take it. Pay raises for each and every one of you. Substantial pay raises. But you don't have to take it. You don't have to. You can go to your commanding officer, say, sir, I'd rather not take that pay. I love my country, sir. I don't want. I refuse to take it. Anybody here, raise your hand, please, if you refuse to take it. Let's see here. All right. Well, at least. At least we have smart people. That's good. So you do your duty for us, and as commander in chief, I will always do and fulfill my duty to you. That's what I'm doing.