President Donald Trump made a pit stop in Tampa to talk military, immigration and combating radical Islamic terrorism on Monday.
The visit was Trump’s first to the U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base since he became president last month. He flew down to Florida Friday and spent the weekend in Palm Beach.
The president addressed the energetic troops, vowing to put “America first” by focusing on the military. Trump told troops he would “load up” the Air Force base with new airplanes and equipment as president.
Protesters appeared outside of the Air Force Base, waving signs and chanting towards the entrance to the base.
Trump also took on the North American Treaty Organization at the press conference, saying he was in favor the alliance even though he believes it's not carrying its full weight for defense spending.
"We strongly support NATO," the president said. "We only ask that all of the NATO members make their full and proper financial contributions to the NATO alliance, which many of them have not been doing."
When it came to radical Islam, Trump took a no-nonsense approach, saying the U.S. would be merciless with the jihadist group.
“We are up against an enemy that celebrates death and totally worships destruction," Trump said on the terrorists.
Trump also addressed his controversial policies on immigration. Last month, he issued an executive order banning Syrian refugees from entering the country for 90 days. The order quickly caused a firestorm of criticisms, especially from Democrats who said the order discriminated against Muslims.
National security, Trump said, is one of his top considerations -- and keeping ill-intentioned people out of the country is part of the journey to keeping America safe.
"We need strong programs...so that people that love us and want to love our country and will end up loving our country are allowed in..not people that want to destroy us and destroy our country,” Trump said.
Flanked alongside Trump was Gov. Rick Scott, a strong ally of Trump’s when he was on the campaign trail. Scott publicly endorsed the billionaire businessman for president last year, later chairing a super PAC supporting his candidacy.
Trump called Scott a “great, great governor” and praised him for sticking by his side when so many said he was destined to fail.
Rubbing shoulders with Trump is a strategic move for the governor, who is widely expected to make a run for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Bill Nelson next year.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
