Trump Tells Grads 'You Don't Give Up, You Don't Give In'
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — President Donald Trump stressed the United States' military might as he addressed graduates at the United States Naval Academy Friday, saying the "best way to prevent war is to be fully prepared for war."
Trump spoke to the 2018 graduating class in Annapolis, stressing American military preparedness a day after he canceled a planned summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
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"Our country has regained the respect that we used to have long ago," said Trump, who did not mention North Korea in his remarks. "Yes, they are respecting us again. America is back."
Watch his full speech below
Trump drew a mixed response as he spoke to 1,042 newly commissioned ensigns and second lieutenants, drawing applause and silence at times as he emphasized his efforts to boost federal defense spending. Said Trump: "we have begun the great rebuilding of the U.S. military."
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"We know that the best way to prevent war is to be fully prepared for war and hopefully we never have to use all of this beautiful new powerful new equipment," Trump said.
At the conclusion of his remarks, Trump said that he planned to remain at the graduation to shake each graduate's hand.
Before leaving for the address, Trump said on Twitter said he looks "forward to being with some of the greatest people on earth!"
This marked Trump's first time speaking to the academy's graduating class. Last year, Trump addressed the Coast Guard Academy.
Update, 11:10 a.m.: President Donald Trump told graduates at the United States Naval Academy that "we have begun the great rebuilding of the U.S. military."
Trump says Friday in Annapolis that "we will have the strongest military that we ever had." He added "and when did we ever need it more?"
Trump said the "best way to prevent war is to be fully prepared for war" and said that if "a fight must come, there is no other alternative. Victory."
Speaking to graduates, Trump praised the military, saying of the Navy "you don't give up, you don't give in."
He also stressed his commitment to veterans.
ORIGINAL POST, 9:34 a.m.: President Donald Trump is set to address the 2018 graduates of the United States Naval Academy.
Trump will give the commencement speech in Annapolis Friday, a day after highlighting American military preparedness as he canceled a planned summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Trump will speak to 1,042 newly commissioned ensigns and second lieutenants. He is expected to highlight his efforts to boost federal defense spending.
On Twitter Friday, Trump said he looks "forward to being with some of the greatest people on earth!"
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It will be Trump's first time speaking to the academy's graduating class. Last year, Trump addressed the Coast Guard Academy.
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