Trump does not let government shutdown interfere with Navy’s 250th anniversary

US President Donald Trump did not let the government shutdown interfere with a stop in Norfolk, Virginia on Sunday to salute the Navy as it celebrates its 250th anniversary, using his speech to praise both the Navy and himself.

Trump delivered remarks that by his own recognition bordered on making it more like a campaign event, generating some cheers from the crowd before closing with a recording of his theme song, “YMCA” by Village People.

“Let’s face it, this is a rally,” Trump told the crowd of about 10,000 sailors in their dress-white uniforms.

Navy planes flew overhead as the president began his speech, fuelling the crowd’s energy and prompting many of the sailors to chant “USA! USA! USA!”

The president spoke on a pier between two towering Navy vessels, an aircraft carrier and an amphibious assault ship. The carrier displayed a Navy fighter jet, which had the words “President Donald J. Trump ‘45-47’” printed on the fuselage right under the cockpit window.

The Republican president criticised his political opponents and attacked Democratic lawmakers as the shutdown entered its fifth day, causing military staff to work without pay until the government reopens.