President Donald Trump delivered a spirited commencement address at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, receiving enthusiastic applause from the crowd. The event took place on Saturday, where Trump celebrated what he called the “Golden Age of America” and encouraged the graduates to take pride in their achievements.
During his speech, Trump declared, “You are winners, every single one of you,” emphasizing that the graduates are the first to emerge from this new era. He focused on military priorities, stating, “We’re getting rid of the distractions and focusing our military on its core mission: crushing America’s adversaries, killing America’s enemies, and defending our great American flag.” This statement resonated with many in the audience, reflecting a clear stance on military engagement.
Trump criticized previous administrations, asserting that the military’s role should not involve cultural transformations or spreading democracy by force. Instead, he insisted that the armed forces must focus on defeating threats to the United States.
While he expressed a desire for peace and partnership with other nations, Trump reiterated his commitment to a strong military. He mentioned several graduates during his speech, including one cadet who set an international record for an 18-mile march. The cadet, Chris, received a warm welcome from the audience as he shared his gratitude for his fellow classmates.
Trump also highlighted the accomplishments of eight cadets who designed a hypersonic rocket, jokingly saying, “Oh, we can use you.” He claimed that the U.S. was once a leader in this technology, which he alleged was stolen during the Obama administration.
The address also touched on political issues, with Trump referencing the legal challenges he faced after leaving office. He compared the investigations against him to those faced by notorious mobster Al Capone, drawing applause from the audience.
Overall, the commencement speech was a blend of celebration for the graduates and a rallying cry for a strong military. As Trump concluded, he left the graduates with a sense of pride and purpose, marking a memorable day for the West Point community.