Trump Hails U.S. Troops, Eyes Bigger Defense Budget/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ During a visit to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, President Trump pledged a substantial pay raise for U.S. troops and highlighted military reforms. He called the U.S. military the “greatest fighting force in the history of the world” while sharply criticizing President Biden’s Afghanistan withdrawal. The remarks followed key U.S.-Qatar defense agreements signed earlier this week.
Trump in Qatar: Quick Looks
- Trump pledges “substantial” troop pay raises in 2026 budget
- Calls U.S. military “the strongest in the world”
- Touts upcoming expansion and modernization of armed forces
- Blasts Biden’s handling of Afghanistan exit, cites troop deaths
- Visit includes signing Boeing and drone deals with Qatar
- Al Udeid Air Base remains critical U.S. hub in region
- Trump praises growing U.S.-Qatar defense cooperation
- Says military reforms aim to rebuild American deterrence
- Labels U.S.-Qatar relationship as ‘next-level’ strategic
- Reaffirms hardline stance on Syria and Iran
Deep Look: Trump Pledges Bigger Military, Higher Pay in Qatar Troop Address
DOHA, Qatar — May 15, 2025 — President Donald Trump delivered a rally-style speech Thursday at Al Udeid Air Base, promising a new era of investment and reform in the U.S. military, including significant pay increases for troops and continued modernization of the armed forces.
“My 2026 budget includes across-the-board pay raises for each and every one of you,” Trump declared, speaking to a packed audience of servicemembers. “Substantial pay raises.”
The announcement came during the final days of Trump’s Middle East tour, aimed at deepening strategic partnerships and signing major defense and commercial agreements across the Gulf region.
“The Greatest Fighting Force in the History of the World”
Throughout his speech, Trump repeatedly praised U.S. troops, touting their strength, discipline, and technological edge.
“We have the best equipment, the best people. It’s not even a contest,” he said. “Nobody else has what we have. Planes, missiles, command and control — unmatched.”
He used the moment to take aim at President Joe Biden, specifically referencing the chaotic 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, during which 13 U.S. troops were killed at Kabul airport.
Trump, Qatar Sign Major Defense Agreements
Trump’s remarks came less than 24 hours after he signed a series of U.S.-Qatar defense and commercial agreements with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The package includes:
- A Boeing jet purchase agreement valued in the billions
- A letter of intent to acquire MQ-9 Reaper drones
- New joint defense cooperation frameworks
“We had a great conversation,” Al Thani said at the signing. “These agreements bring our nations to another level.”
The visit marked a significant deepening of U.S.-Qatari ties, which have evolved rapidly since Trump in 2017 accused Qatar of funding terrorism. In 2022, Qatar was designated a major non-NATO ally by President Biden.
Trump’s Visit to Al Udeid Air Base
Al Udeid Air Base, home to over 8,000 U.S. troops and serving as a major operational center for U.S. Central Command, played host to Trump’s high-profile address. It is one of the Pentagon’s most strategic hubs in the region.
“This base is a symbol of our commitment to the region and to each other,” Trump said, thanking Qatar for hosting U.S. forces.
He also toured the facility and met with top commanders before heading to the final stop of his Gulf trip — Abu Dhabi, where he will meet with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Military Reform & Global Readiness
Trump tied his push for troop pay raises to broader military reform efforts. He said the next U.S. defense budget would focus on:
- Modernization of combat equipment
- Improved housing and medical care for troops
- Readiness to respond to crises in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East
“We are not looking for conflict,” he said, “but we are always ready. We will never again send our troops into a war they are not equipped or empowered to win.
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