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.
Trump’s remarks came during a stop at Al Udeid Air Base following a multi-day tour of the Middle East. The president touted his proposal to raise overall Defense Department spending in fiscal 2026 and said some of that money would be earmarked for another increase in troops’ pay.
“You’re a very special group of people, and that’s why my 2026 budget includes an across the board [pay boost],” he said. “There are pay raises for each and every one of you, substantial pay raises.”
He also joked that “you don’t have to take it” eliciting applause and laughs from the service members assembled for the event.
