For Donald Trump, every microphone is a stage and every audience is a test of loyalty. So when applause didn’t follow his boasts aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier, the president did what he always does — yelled louder, demanding validation that never arrived.

What began as a routine address to U.S. troops quickly morphed into something else entirely. Trump leaned into his familiar rally cadence, barking claims and nicknames in search of cheers, as the troops stood frozen behind him in uncomfortable silence that only grew heavier the longer he spoke.

During a speech to U.S. troops aboard the USS George Washington at the Yokosuka Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan, Tuesday, Trump went on a rant falsely marveling about how low prices are in the U.S. for staples.

“Inflation back home, we had the wo

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