Trump Delivers Commencement Address at West Point

Trump Delivers Commanding Commencement Speech at West Point, Emphasizes Military Strength and National Security

On a bright Saturday at the United States Military Academy at West Point, former President Donald Trump returned to the national stage with a bold and unapologetic message during his commencement address to the graduating class of 1,002 cadets. Wearing his signature “Make America Great Again” red cap, Trump struck a tone that blended pride, urgency, and criticism, as he outlined his vision for the future of the U.S. military and the country it defends.

Trump opened by celebrating the graduates as the first West Point class of what he called the “Golden Age of America,” signaling his ambition to frame their entry into service as part of a broader national revival. His address was both a tribute to the individual accomplishments of the cadets and a broader commentary on what he sees as the failures of past leadership.

Throughout the speech, Trump delivered a sharp critique of previous administrations, asserting that for over two decades, U.S. political leaders from both parties had misused the military, sending American troops on missions far from home that lacked clear strategic purpose. He questioned why American forces had been involved in nation-building efforts in foreign countries that, in his words, had little interest in American presence or values.

“These missions,” Trump said, “wasted American lives, money, and national resources,” and he claimed they subjected troops to ideological experiments and social engineering instead of focusing on their essential purpose—defending the United States. He declared an end to this era, vowing a return to the military’s fundamental mission: defense, deterrence, and victory.

In a more personal and celebratory moment, Trump called several cadets onstage to acknowledge their outstanding academic and physical achievements. Among those recognized were Rhodes Scholars, winners of a hypersonic rocket competition, and the first two female graduates of West Point’s diver school—examples Trump used to emphasize the excellence and elite nature of this new generation of military leaders.

However, the former president’s remarks returned quickly to policy. He criticized the military’s involvement in political causes and social projects, saying those initiatives often came at the expense of the military’s readiness and effectiveness, particularly in safeguarding the U.S. border. “We spent years focused on fighting wars abroad,” he said, “while failing to defend our own territory.”

He vowed that under his leadership, the military would prioritize crushing America’s adversaries, protecting its borders, and avoiding what he described as cultural distractions. He reiterated his belief that the role of the armed forces is not to experiment socially, but to dominate on the battlefield and eliminate threats swiftly and decisively.

Praising the West Point graduates, Trump called them the “smartest, toughest, and most determined soldiers” the country had ever produced. He described their mission not only as one of service, but of unwavering strength and patriotism.

Trump also spoke at length about his broader defense policy, announcing plans for a new “Golden Dome” missile defense system and proposing a $1 trillion military budget. He emphasized that the military’s renewed strength would be used to deter conflict, but that America must be fully prepared to fight and win when necessary.

Tying domestic policy to national defense, he warned that the U.S. had been “invaded” in recent years, a reference to immigration surges and border insecurity. He stated clearly that border protection is a central military concern, and any administration that neglects it is weakening the country from within.

In referencing his recent visit to the Middle East, Trump declared that U.S. influence abroad is “hotter now than we’ve ever seen it,” pointing to what he called increasing respect and power under his leadership. He also accused the Obama administration of allowing Russia to steal hypersonic missile designs, using it as an example of what he described as negligent leadership and national vulnerability.

Amidst the political undertones of his speech, Trump shared more personal reflections. He spoke of his own legal and political battles, telling the cadets that despite multiple investigations and attempts to stop him, he rose to become President. He used this to emphasize the values of perseverance, resilience, and never giving up, encouraging graduates to do the same when they face opposition or setbacks.

“Don’t let bad people stand in your way,” he urged. “If they come after you, take them down—and keep moving forward.”

The speech concluded with an energetic call for a return to national strength, military excellence, and American pride. Trump said he was proud to serve as commander in chief of what he called a new generation of military heroes, committed to defending the country with honor and force.

The ceremony ended with enthusiastic applause for both the cadets and the former president, as the graduates marched off into a future shaped by a renewed promise of military dominance, national sovereignty, and restored respect for those in uniform.

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