Donald Trump kept the conversation light, asking service members what they thought of the Super Bowl and cracking jokes, but many of his supporters were likely thrilled just to see the commander-in-chief sitting down with the troops.
At one point, Trump asked a service member if he planned to “make a career” out of his military service.
“Still deciding right now, sir,” the solider responded.
“Come on, you have to stay. You’ll like it better with me there. You’ll see,” Trump responded.
The president then went around the table asking the service members the same question, to which all responded in the affirmative.
Trump later delivered his “all hands” address to U.S. Central Command, or CENTCOM, where he offered heavy praise for members of the military and their families.
“I want every military family to know that our administration is at your service. We stand with you 100 percent,” Trump said. “We will never, ever let you down.”
President Trump went on to say that his “highest duty” is to protect the men and women serving in the military.