LOUISVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18) — Soon after Air Force One landed in Louisville, President Donald Trump made his first stop of the day.
Speaking to the 75th Annual AMVETS convention at the Galt House, President Trump spoke about his love for veterans and touted his administration's dedication to strengthening the armed forces of the United States. The President also signed an executive order that forgives federal student loan debt for disabled veterans.
Despite saying it wasn't a campaign event, he did add a plug for Governor Matt Bevin and for his own 2020 run.
"I won't say it here because this is not a campaign speech," said the President. "I won't say 'Keep America Great' but keep America great."
The line earned him a laugh from the veterans in the audience.
The president told the crowd gathered that he was dedicated to making and keeping the military the best and strongest in the world.
“We’ve delivered the largest pay raise in years...”
— Karolina Buczek (@Karolina_Buczek) August 21, 2019
President Trump tells the crowd about pay bumps for military members. @LEX18News #POTUSLouisville pic.twitter.com/33MYi39Juw
“We make the best planes. We make the best missiles...We make the best everything," said the President.
The president also voiced criticism for the Obama administration's handling of veteran's affairs.
“After years of neglect, we are fixing the heartbreaking failure from the last administration at the Department of Veterans Affairs. America must never abandon our heroes in their hour of need," said Trump.
Although a spokesperson reminded the crowd indoors that AMVETS is a non-partisan organization, outside the doors of the Galt House was anything but. Protesters and Trump supporters exchanged barbs. Two protesters dumped water on the head of a Trump supporter.
Anticipating the arrival of the President soon @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/jqSOEZKTAn
— Conroy Delouche (@ConroyDelouche) August 21, 2019
Following that heated exchange, things calmed down a bit. Louisville Metro Police officers stood by to keep an eye on the crowd.
I spoke too soon. About 10 minutes ago, someone in the crowd dumped water over a Trump protester. Police stepped in quick, and both are being talked to in the garage @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/RIyOoMFbzz
— Conroy Delouche (@ConroyDelouche) August 21, 2019
President Trump attended a fundraiser for Governor Matt Bevin. He told the crowd that he intended to return to the state to campaign on behalf of both Bevin and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
“I’ll be here campaigning for Mitch and Matt and we’re gonna get them both back in," said Trump.
You can watch the President's speech in its entirety below.
