Trump Vows Troop Pay Raises, Touts Military Might in Qatar Speech

President Donald Trump delivered a rousing speech to U.S. troops at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, promising substantial pay raises and heralding the might of America’s military. Speaking on Thursday during his Middle East tour, Trump emphasized his 2026 budget plan, which includes across-the-board pay increases for service members. "You’re the greatest fighting force in history," he declared, praising the unmatched strength of U.S. equipment, from planes to missiles.

Trump didn’t shy away from critiquing past leadership, slamming President Joe Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, which saw the tragic loss of 13 American troops in Kabul. His remarks underscored a commitment to bolster the military, vowing it will soon be bigger, better, and more powerful than ever.

The speech followed Trump’s Wednesday meeting with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, where they inked deals boosting U.S.-Qatar ties. These included Qatar’s purchase of Boeing aircraft and MQ-9 drones, alongside agreements for joint cooperation. The emir hailed the talks as elevating their partnership to new heights, a stark contrast to Trump’s 2017 claims that Qatar funded terrorism. Since then, Qatar has become a key U.S. ally, hosting Al Udeid, a critical hub for U.S. Central Command.