Former President Donald Trump expressed gratitude towards service members at the Commander-in-Chief inaugural ball, the first of three events he was scheduled to attend on Monday night. Alongside First Lady Melania Trump, the couple took to the stage for a dance before being joined by Vice President JD Vance and Usha Vance.
During his address to the crowd, Trump commended the strength and resilience of the nation, emphasizing the importance of honoring those who ensure the safety of the country. He praised the bravery and unity of the service members, acknowledging their sacrifices and dedication to protecting the nation.
Trump briefly mentioned Pete Hegseth, his nominee for secretary of defense, expressing confidence in Hegseth's leadership to rebuild the military into the most powerful force globally. He highlighted the goal of strengthening the military even further than before.
Additionally, Trump engaged in a video call with troops stationed at Camp Humphreys in South Korea, inquiring about the situation in the region and making light-hearted remarks about Kim Jong Un. He acknowledged the challenges posed by certain individuals while also mentioning his past interactions with them.
The evening concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony involving the Trumps and Vances before they departed to attend the Liberty Inaugural Ball.
