The Secretary of the Interior applauded President Donald Trump's support for the military and veterans, saying "this is exactly what the president should be doing."
Secretary Ryan Zinke told Fox News' "Fox & Friends" Thursday at a ceremony for participants in the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride, that the president focuses on the military because he understands that is about "service above self."
"The veterans have a special in our society because many of them have sacrificed the ultimate cost for our freedom. The president understands that and he just likes being around, as we do, we just like being around really good men and women who are dedicated to higher purpose, have shown it, proven it with their actions.
"Wounded veterans out there in the front lines, this is exactly what the president should be doing and I would think from the secretary of interior's point of view. This is exactly what I should be doing. Saying hello to the troops, wishing them well," Zinke added.
Trump gave a speech to the participants in the a four-day bike ride through the District of Columbia on Thursday.
"Melania and I are deeply honored to join you all today and to stand here among real heroes — these are real heroes," Trump said before thanking Zinke and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, David Shulkin, according to The Daily Caller.
"Sec. Shulkin and Sec. Zinke, who are standing right here in front of us, I want to thank you as we pay tribute to America's heroes and winners. The soldier ride has been very unique. Thank you for organizing this event. And thank you for serving, those who have so bravely served our nation."