Trump Discusses Battleship Designs and Political Support at Fort Bragg

President Donald Trump addressed troops at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on Friday, February 13, 2026, discussing his preferences for battleship designs and urging service members to support Republican candidates in upcoming elections. The visit included remarks on military spending and a celebration of the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Battleship Design Preferences

During his speech, President Trump expressed a fondness for older battleship designs from World War II, stating he preferred their aesthetic. He mentioned being told that these designs could not be “brought back,” but shared his efforts to influence the design of a new battleship, aiming for a more visually appealing vessel. “I want that ship to look gorgeous,” Trump said, adding that he prioritizes aesthetics even over stealth technology. He stated the new battleships, which have yet to be constructed, would be “100 times more powerful” than those from WWII.

In December, Trump announced plans to build a new fleet of ships, dubbed the “Trump class,” including the “U.S.S. Defiant,” a naming practice typically reserved for after a president leaves office. USAToday

Political Appeal to Troops

President Trump directly urged troops to vote for Republicans, highlighting his administration’s efforts to restore the Fort Bragg name after Congress directed the Pentagon to rename bases honoring Confederate officers. He warned that a Democratic victory in the midterms could lead to the reversal of this decision. Time

The rally took place before an audience of uniformed service members, with many recording the event on their phones. Time

Venezuela Operation and “Peace Through Strength”

The visit to Fort Bragg was intended to honor members of the special forces units involved in last month’s capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. Fort Bragg is home to the Army’s Special Operations Command and Delta Force, the unit reportedly responsible for the raid. Deseret News

President Trump emphasized his “Peace Through Strength” national defense strategy, highlighting military accomplishments during his administration, including “Operation Midnight Hammer,” a series of strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. Deseret News

He also celebrated the special forces members, stating the Maduro raid demonstrated “the full military might” of the U.S. And ensured “we are feared” by potential enemies around the world. AP News

First Lady’s Remarks

First Lady Melania Trump accompanied the President and highlighted the connection between love for country and family, describing it as the foundation for American strength. Deseret News