President Donald Trump spoke to U.S. military personnel aboard the USS George Washington in Yokosuka, Japan, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. In his speech, Trump addressed his plans to deploy military forces in American cities, marking a departure from traditional National Guard uses for domestic purposes.
During his address, Trump explored his vision for military intervention in U.S. urban areas to tackle crime and immigration. The speech was part of a brief Asia tour, following a visit to the Middle East where he celebrated a U.S.-mediated ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The president’s remarks to the troops have raised concerns about his cognitive health amid his administration’s efforts to strengthen executive authority. Recent statements from Trump have been described as worrying, such as his comments on taking extrajudicial actions in South American waters, where he suggested, “they would be ‘like, dead’.”
Trump shared with reporters aboard Air Force One that he had recently undergone an MRI during his last medical examination, which he claimed was perfect. He did not provide details on why the test was conducted. Following this, cameras showed him appearing disoriented beside Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, during a formal event.
Concerning incidents have increased recently. Last month during a phone call with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek about deploying military forces to Portland, Trump asked if what he saw on television differed from reality, noting that his advisers were providing conflicting information.
Despite the ongoing government shutdown, which has resulted in approximately 750,000 federal employees being furloughed, Trump’s Asia trip proceeded without interruption. He maintained a busy schedule of travel, golf outings, and official engagements, in contrast to his first term’s 2018-2019 shutdown when he reduced travel and canceled holiday plans.
According to the White House budget office contingency report, only 32 percent of the staff in the Executive Office of the President were furloughed during this shutdown, a significant reduction from the 61 percent during the previous shutdown. About half of the Executive Mansion’s staff remain on duty, compared to over 70 percent furloughed before.
While Trump was abroad, his administration made progress on controversial domestic initiatives. On October 28, 2025, the White House dismissed all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, a federal agency tasked with reviewing the president’s ballroom construction project. A White House official stated that new members will be appointed to align with Trump’s America First agenda.
The six board members, appointed by former President Joe Biden, were notified of their termination via email. This decision came after Trump announced plans for an arch along the Potomac River, similar to France’s Arc de Triomphe, and a new ballroom replacing the White House’s East Wing.
The Commission of Fine Arts, created by Congress in 1910, provides design and aesthetic advice to the president, Congress, and D.C. government on federal interests in the capital. The board would have reviewed Trump’s ballroom project, which has already seen the East Wing’s demolition.
Members of Trump’s Cabinet have also maintained active travel schedules during the shutdown. Vice President JD Vance visited Israel, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem went to Portland to address protests, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth joined Trump in Japan to address troops.
Trump hosted a White House fundraiser for significant donors to his $300 million ballroom project and held another event at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. During a recent lunch with Republican senators, he served burgers made by White House staff, commenting on their quality.
This shutdown strategy contrasts with Trump’s first term when he opposed a congressional compromise to force a government closure to secure funding for the U.S.-Mexico border wall. Political allies suggest his current approach allows him to appear presidential while avoiding congressional conflicts.
