On Memorial Day, President Donald Trump delivered a speech to a gathered crowd, expressing his enthusiasm about being in office during the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, both of which will be held in the United States. “Amazing, the way things work out,” Trump remarked, highlighting his pride in bringing both of these major international sporting events to the nation.

During his address, Trump was joined by Vice President J.D. Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after they had visited Arlington National Cemetery to pay their respects by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Trump humorously noted that he was grateful for not winning the 2020 Presidential election, suggesting that this allowed him to be present for the upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States Army. “In some ways, I’m glad I missed that second term where it was, because I wouldn’t be your president for that — most important of all,” he stated, before pivoting to discuss the World Cup and the Olympics. He concluded, “Can you imagine? I missed that four years, and now look what I have. I have everything.”

However, Trump’s speech took a more serious tone after just a few minutes as he directed criticisms towards the previous administration. He declared that while soldiers had sacrificed their lives for what he referred to as the “most noble Republic ever to exist on the face of the earth,” he was now in the process of “fixing” the country’s challenges. “That was a hard four years we went through,” Trump said, earning applause from the audience. He lamented the current state of border security, stating, “Who would let that happen? People pouring through our borders, unchecked.”

Despite addressing these political issues, the core of Trump’s speech was dedicated to honoring the families of fallen veterans. “Every Gold Star family fights a battle long after the victory is won,” he said, expressing deep gratitude and respect. “Today, we lift you up and we hold you high … Thank you for giving America the brightest light in your lives. It’s what you’ve done. We will never ever forget our fallen heroes, and we will never forget our debt to you.”

Earlier in the day, Trump had taken to Truth Social, posting a fiery, all-caps message that criticized immigration policies, the judicial system, and those he perceives as threats to the country. “HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY TO ALL, INCLUDING THE SCUM THAT SPENT THE LAST FOUR YEARS TRYING TO DESTROY OUR COUNTRY THROUGH WARPED RADICAL LEFT MINDS,” he declared. He accused the previous administration of allowing millions to enter the country illegally, many of whom he described as criminals and mentally unstable individuals. Trump expressed hope that the U.S. Supreme Court and other judges would rectify these issues, asserting that significant progress had been made in the last few months and that America would soon be “safe and great again.”