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Trump commends West Point graduates and highlights a 'golden age' for the US military during his commencement address.
In a commencement address at West Point in May 2025, President Donald Trump praised the graduates of the U.S. Military Academy and hailed a "golden age" for the American military.
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He emphasized his administration's commitment to national security and border defense, including the recently announced "Golden Dome" missile defense system, which he assured would be completed before the end of his term.
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Trump also criticized past leaders for engaging in nation-building missions and for allowing "divisive and demeaning political trainings" in military academies, referencing the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. This came after the disbanding of several student clubs at West Point, such as the National Society of Black Engineers and the Society of Women Engineers, earlier in the year. The president's comments were aligned with his broader criticism of what he termed "Woke Leftist Ideologues" infiltrating military institutions and his opposition to critical race theory and gender discussions within the military education curriculum.
Despite pushback from former West Point teachers and military members who argued that such programs enriched the education and did not undermine military values, Trump's administration continued to promote its "America First" agenda. Additionally, the president encouraged the graduates to pursue their passions and think big in their military careers. This event took place amidst two protests, one outside West Point and another on the Hudson River, but no disturbances were reported during the ceremony.