Trump at conclusion of first foreign trip: ‘I think we hit a home run’

President Trump on Saturday concluded his first trip abroad as commander-in-chief with a speech at the Sigonella Naval Air Station in Sicily, where he said the nine-day tour was a home run.

Speaking to members of the U.S. military on Memorial Day weekend, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to ramping up military spending and supporting men and women in the armed services. 

“But we have been gone for close to nine days. This will be nine days. And I think we hit a home run no matter where we are,” Trump said in Italy.

“We’re thrilled to be here right now and we’re getting on that very big plane and we’re heading back to Washington and the United States.”

{mosads}The president is heading back to Washington, D.C. following a trip to Saudi Arabia, Israel, Italy, and Belgium. After meeting with the Pope, Trump traveled to Brussels for a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit and concluded his trip in Sicily at the G7 summit.

“I can think of no better way to conclude our first foreign trip than to spend the time with you right here with the incredible men and women of the United States Navy and with all of our brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines and our great civilians who support them,” Trump said.

The president spokes of the terrorist threat following the Monday attack in Manchester and said the United States will “win” in the fight against extremism.

“Our travels took us to some of the holiest sites in the three Abrahamic religions and to gatherings of both America’s oldest and newest friends. We traveled the world to strengthen long-standing alliances and to form a new partnership among nations devoted to the task of eradicating the terrorism that plagues our planet,” Trump said.

Trump during his trip to Saudi Arabia gave a speech urging members of the Muslim world to help drive out extremism, an address which provided a stark divergence from his inflammatory campaign rhetoric about Islam.

As he wrapped up his first foreign trip, Trump thanked the military crowd that stood before him. 

“You are the patriots who keep the fires of liberty burning,” the president told the crowd at the airbase.

“I am proud to be with you today as your commander in chief. I am honored to have had this time to spend with you,” he said.