Trump Touts US Military as 'Best-Trained, Best-Equipped' Under His Administration

The former president highlighted military successes and investments during a speech to soldiers in North Carolina.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump visited Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina on February 13, 2026 to celebrate the U.S. Armed Forces and thank soldiers for their service. Trump praised the military as the "best-led, best-trained, best-equipped, the most disciplined, and most elite fighting force the world has ever seen" and highlighted $1 trillion in planned military investments for 2026, including the addition of 10 new powerful battleships. He also honored the Special Forces soldiers who captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a secret mission the previous month.

Why it matters

Trump's visit to Fort Bragg and his praise for the U.S. military underscores his continued focus on defense and national security issues, which were a key part of his political platform. The investments he touted in new military equipment and technology also reflect his administration's prioritization of military strength and readiness.

The details

During the event, Trump highlighted recent military successes, including the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a secret Special Forces raid in January 2026. He also mentioned the deployment of a classified "discombobulator" weapon that disrupted Russian and Chinese military equipment during the operation. Trump praised the quantity and quality of new military recruits, saying there were waiting lists to join the armed forces.

  • On February 13, 2026, Trump visited Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
  • In January 2026, U.S. Special Forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in a secret mission known as Operation Absolute Resolve.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who visited Fort Bragg to celebrate the U.S. military and highlight investments in new equipment and technology.

Nicolás Maduro

The former president of Venezuela who was captured by U.S. Special Forces in a secret raid in January 2026.

Cilia Flores

The wife of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was also captured in the January 2026 raid.

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What they’re saying

“There's nobody more respected than the people in this room. ... I have no higher honor in life than to be your commander in chief.”

— Donald Trump, Former President (The Epoch Times)

“The president and I are grateful to be with you to honor the passion you share with unmatched bravery, resilience, and service to our great nation.”

— Melania Trump, Former First Lady (The Epoch Times)

“My message to all the warriors today is your commander in chief supports you totally. ... When needed, you're going to fight, fight, fight; you're going to win, win, win.”

— Donald Trump, Former President (The Epoch Times)

What’s next

The administration is expected to provide more details on the new military investments and technology in the coming months.

The takeaway

Trump's visit to Fort Bragg and his praise for the U.S. military underscores his continued focus on defense and national security issues, which were a key part of his political platform. The investments he touted in new military equipment and technology also reflect his administration's prioritization of military strength and readiness.