Trump to Troops at Al Udeid: 'Without a Doubt, the Greatest Fighting Force in the History of the World' (May 15, 2025)

President Donald Trump told American troops in Qatar that America’s military is back. “You are, without a doubt, the greatest fighting force in the history of the world,” Trump said at Al Udeid Air Base on May 15, 2025, according to the transcript published by the American Presidency Project [1].

“And as your Commander in Chief, I’m here to say that America’s military will soon be bigger, better, stronger, and more powerful than ever before,” he said [1].

The video above shows Trump with servicemembers at Al Udeid Air Base on May 15, 2025. Quotes are from the American Presidency Project [1][2][3].

”We’re the Ones That Won the War”

Trump told the troops about calling world leaders on May 8. “And the fact is, Russia was celebrating, France was celebrating, everybody was celebrating but us. And we’re the ones that won the war,” he said [1].

“Without us, they’re speaking German—maybe a little Japanese too,” Trump said, to laughter [1].

On May 7, Trump had proclaimed May 8 Victory Day for World War II. “Today, our Nation proudly commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Allied Powers’ triumph over national socialism and fascism, and the end of World War II in Europe—one of the most epic victories for forces of freedom in the history of the world,” the proclamation says [2].

“Without the sacrifice of our American soldiers, this war would not have been won, and our world today would look drastically different,” it says [2].

”Substantial Pay Raises”

Trump said his 2026 budget includes “pay raises for each and every one of you. Substantial pay raises.” [1]

“But you don’t have to take it,” he joked. “Anybody here—raise your hand, please, if you refuse to take it? Let’s see here. All right. Well, at least we have smart people. That’s good.” [1]

“We just did a budget. The budget was the highest by far, over a trillion dollars. That’s a lot,” Trump said [1].

”The Strong and Fierce Spirit”

“On day one, I signed an Executive order stopping our service members from being forced to endure endless training sessions on political correctness. We don’t care if you’re politically correct,” Trump said [1].

“And I directed the reinstatement of all patriots expelled from our military by the COVID vaccine mandate, which should’ve never happened. They’re being returned at their former rank with full backpay,” he said [1].

He said the military “suddenly has the best recruiting numbers that perhaps they’ve ever had, but certainly in 30 years.” [1]

“83 Major Terrorists”

“Since my inauguration, servicemembers stationed throughout this region have terminated 83 major terrorists operating across Iraq, Syria, and Somalia, including the number two—just recently—global leader of ISIS,” Trump said [1].

He retold how Gen. Dan Caine, now chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, beat ISIS in his first term. “He knocked out 100 percent of the ISIS caliphate in 3 weeks,” Trump said [1].

The Golden Dome and the F–47

“As part of that effort, I signed an order to build the Golden Dome missile defense shield to protect our country from missile attack,” Trump said [1].

“And our Air Force will soon have the world’s first and only sixth-generation fighter jet, the F–47,” he said [1].

He wants a two-engine upgrade of the F-35, too. “I like two engines on a plane,” Trump said [1].

”Barron Was Right”

Trump praised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. “They put him through hell, the radical left did. And he’s incredible,” he said. “Pete Hegseth—he’s going to be great. You’re going to love this guy.” [1]

He also thanked podcaster Theo Von, whose show his son Barron urged him to do before the election. “So, you know what? I think Barron was right,” Trump said [1].

”A Job Now That Everybody Wants”

“Every American warrior here today inherits a legacy of exceptional patriots who have defended our freedom for nearly 250 years,” Trump said. “You carry on the glorious tradition of the heroes of Lexington and Concord, Gettysburg and Belleau Wood, Normandy and Midway.” [1]

“So just remember this: You have a job now that everybody wants,” he told the troops. “And as I said before, a year ago, we were laughed at, but nobody’s laughing at our country anymore.” [1]

By the Numbers

$1 trillion+: the defense budget, per Trump [1].
30 years: at least, since recruiting was this strong, per Trump [1].
80th: anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe, per the proclamation [2].
250,000+: Americans who died fighting the Nazi regime, per the proclamation [2].

What Happened Next

America remembered the first war, too. On Nov. 11, 2025, Trump marked Victory Day for World War I. “On this day 107 years ago, the immortal causes of liberty, sovereignty, and human dignity were secured in glory at the conclusion of World War I, one of the most extraordinary displays of U.S. military might in the history of our country,” his message said [3].

“Today we remember the sacrifice of every hero of freedom who shed his blood for the survival of our civilization, and we renew our pledge to always defend the needs, values, and interests of the American people first,” Trump said [3].

For Trump at the Doha business roundtable the same morning, see HYGO News’ page on May 15, 2025. For the Golden Dome, see the page on May 20, 2025.