By Katie Pavlich
Speaking for the first time at U.S. Central Command
Headquarters on MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa Monday, President Donald Trump
reassured the military he has their backs, promised an upgrade to military
equipment, vowed to defeat Islamic terrorism and again called on NATO countries
to pay more for their defense.
"Our administration is at your service, we stand
with you 100 percent," Trump said to roaring applause. "We have your
back every hour of every day, now and always."
"Our administration will always honor our sacred
bond to those who serve and we will never ever, forget you. Believe me,"
Trump continued, acknowledging the sacrifice military families also make for
the country.
The bulk of Trump's remarks focused on efforts to defeat
radical Islamic terror, in addition to reiteration of his stance that NATO
allies must allocate proper funds for their defense.
"We face a vicious enemy that has no respect for
human life...No enemy stands a chance against our special forces and that's the
way we're going to keep it. You're going to be better off because you're going
to have the finest equipment known to man," Trump said. "We strongly support NATO,
we only asks all our NATO members make their proper contributions."
Trump said ISIS is on a rampage and engaging in genocide
across the world, citing attacks in San Bernardino, Paris and Nice as examples.
"We will defeat radical Islamic terrorism and we
will not allow it to take root in our country," Trump said. "As your
President, I have no higher duty than to protect the American people."
In closing, Trump
referred to Reagan's mantra of "peace through strength," and said
freedom, security and justice will prevail.
"The men and women of the United States military
bring America the strength it needs to pursue peace," Trump said. "We
are prepared to fight, but we pray for peace.
