Trump’s vow of ‘substantial’ pay raise for troops counters budget plan

[Tony]

During a speech to U.S. troops stationed in Qatar, President Donald Trump promised service members a “substantial” pay raise next year as part of his defense spending plans, calling it key to force morale and readiness.

But White House budget documents released earlier this month suggest that next year’s military pay raise will fall short of the boost many service members saw this year, and it could be the lowest paycheck hike for troops since 2022.