President Donald Trump used his Veterans Day address at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday to warn the incoming Democratic House majority against cutting defence spending. It was his most prominent public appearance since Republicans lost the chamber in last week's midterm elections. Earlier, he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Speaking in the Memorial Amphitheater, the president praised what he described as a revival in military recruitment during his second term. He told the audience of veterans, service members and Gold Star families that the armed forces were stronger than at any point in decades. He said that strength must not be traded away in budget fights on Capitol Hill.

The ceremony came eight days after Democrats won control of the House of Representatives, putting Hakeem Jeffries on course to become Speaker in January. Defence appropriations, overseas deployments and the use of National Guard troops in American cities are expected to be early flashpoints between the White House and the new majority. Democratic committee leaders have already signalled plans for oversight hearings on domestic troop deployments.

The address drew immediate criticism from Democrats, who accused the president of politicising a day traditionally kept apart from partisan debate. Veterans' organisations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, issued statements focused on benefits backlogs at the Department of Veterans Affairs and urged both parties to protect funding for veterans' healthcare.

The Arlington appearance also fell during the nation's 250th anniversary year, which the White House has framed around themes of military heritage. Republican strategists expect the president to keep defence and border security at the centre of his message as he prepares for two years of divided government.