The president said the initiative would bolster the Navy’s shipbuilding program and modernise the armed forces, describing it as part of a broader effort to “restore American strength at sea.”

Trump also took aim at his political opponents, saying, “I have to take care of this little gnat that's on our shoulder called the Democrats. They want to give all of our money to illegal aliens who pour into the country.”

He reiterated his administration’s stance against what he called “wokeness in the military ,” claiming last week that his leadership was focused on “getting wokeness the hell out” of the armed forces.

The event, held in Virginia, was part of the U.S. Navy’s commemoration of its 250th birthday, celebrating the service’s legacy and ongoing modernisation efforts.