President Donald Trump returned to West Point to deliver his first military graduation speech since re-entering office. At the U.S. Military Academy, he praised the cadets for their achievements and claimed credit for what he called the rebuilding of the U.S. military.
Wearing his signature red “Make America Great Again” hat, he also addressed changes in foreign policy and took aim at diversity and inclusion programs in the Armed Forces.
Here’s a breakdown of what President Trump said, what’s changing in the military under his leadership, and how it compares to past addresses.
Trump Says He Rebuilt the Military
Speaking to over 1,000 graduating cadets, Trump called the U.S. Army the “greatest and most powerful” in history.
“I rebuilt the Army and the military like no one had ever done before,” he said.
Trump credited his administration with boosting morale and claimed the highest peacetime military recruiting numbers in decades. However, CBS News reports that enlistments began rising during the Biden administration, following pandemic-related declines.
DEI Programs Banned at Military Academies
A major focus of Trump’s speech was the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in the military. This follows an executive order signed earlier this year, which bans race or sex-based preferences in the Armed Forces.
Under this policy, West Point has disbanded over a dozen cadet clubs that were based on race or gender, including:
- The National Society of Black Engineers
- The Asian-Pacific Forum
- The Society of Women Engineers
Trump announced proudly that critical race theory would also no longer be taught at military academies.
“We’re getting rid of the distractions,” he said. “Our military will focus on crushing America’s enemies and defending our flag.”
Comparing Past and Present Military Speeches
Trump last addressed West Point graduates in 2020, during national unrest following the George Floyd incident. Then, he praised the National Guard for maintaining order and reminded cadets of America’s fight against slavery.
In contrast, this year’s speech focused on foreign policy restraint and the return to a “merit-based” military. Trump criticized previous administrations for involving U.S. forces in “nation-building missions” overseas that he said served no purpose.
“It was never meant to be,” he said. “For at least two decades, political leaders from both parties dragged our military into unnecessary missions.”
Vice President Vance Addresses Naval Academy
One day earlier, Vice President JD Vance, a Marine veteran, gave a commencement speech at the U.S. Naval Academy. He spoke about ending forever wars and honoring fallen heroes.
Vance shared a personal memory of Major Megan McClung, who died in Iraq:
“She was bright, tough, and incredibly dedicated,” he said.
He also reminded graduates that even if they didn’t share his politics, he respected and supported them.
A Look at the Graduating Class
Out of the 1,002 cadets graduating from West Point this year, 14 are international students from countries including:
- Kosovo
- Qatar
- Poland
Last year, President Joe Biden gave the West Point commencement address. He focused on foreign policy challenges and told cadets their loyalty should be to the U.S. Constitution, not to a political party. He also voiced support for Ukraine and a ceasefire in the Middle East.