President Donald Trump spoke at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, on May 24, 2025, delivering a speech lasting over an hour that diverged from conventional graduation addresses.
Addressing 1,002 graduates, Trump wore his red “Make America Great Again” hat and combined congratulations with political grievances and anecdotes involving golfers, real estate developers, and crime figures.
This event marked Trump’s second visit to West Point, following his 2020 appearance that was scrutinized after he appeared to struggle descending a ramp. This time, he exited via a side staircase before noon to travel to his Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Trump used the occasion to emphasize his administration’s efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the military. He informed cadets of his actions against what he termed divisive political training. The president stated that critical race theory and transgender policies would no longer be present in the military, referencing his January executive order denying the existence of transgender, intersex, and nonbinary individuals in government operations.
These policy changes are already in effect at West Point and other military academies, leading to the disbanding of several student organizations. Faculty have been instructed to eliminate terms such as “feminist” and “systemic racism” from syllabi.
Trump’s speech often strayed from military topics. He highlighted retired golfer Gary Player as an example of overcoming physical limitations through hard work. Trump recounted Player’s achievements despite being smaller than competitors, attributing success to his dedication and advanced exercise routines.
In another segment, Trump discussed real estate developer William Levitt, known for creating modern American suburbs. Trump presented Levitt’s life as a cautionary tale, detailing how Levitt sold his company and remarried to what Trump described as a “trophy wife,” suggesting such choices often lead to failure.
Trump also drew parallels between his legal challenges and those of mob boss Al Capone. “I was investigated more than the great late Alphonse Capone,” Trump remarked, noting Capone’s criminal activities and the numerous investigations he faced before his presidency.
During the speech, Trump promoted his immigration policies, stating the country had been invaded by individuals who should not be present. His comments followed a federal judge’s order for his administration to return a Guatemalan man wrongfully deported to Mexico. Trump expressed optimism that his deportation efforts would persist.
Trump highlighted his 2024 election victory, claiming it provided a mandate for his administration’s agenda. He told cadets they were the first West Point graduates of America’s “golden age” and praised military spending, mentioning a trillion-dollar budget he refused to cut.
The Class of 2025 includes 252 women, with Joanna K. Halfhill as the valedictorian. The graduation marked the 45th anniversary of female graduates. Trump brought several graduates on stage, including Cadet Chris Verdugo, who set a record by completing an 18.5-mile march in 2 hours and 30 minutes, and quarterback Bryson Daily, who Trump called “Captain America.”
Trump’s immigration remarks reflected his administration’s broader border policies. He praised the immigration crackdown and vowed to continue deportations. Trump also claimed credit for record peacetime military recruitment levels, though such numbers had been rising prior to his return.
Military observers and former faculty expressed concern about the partisan nature of Trump’s speech at the traditionally nonpartisan institution. Graham Parsons, a former West Point professor who resigned over Trump’s policies, described the situation as causing “real whiplash” for the academy community.
The president’s address occurred amid a broader review of military academies for content deemed inappropriate under anti-DEI directives. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has led efforts to remove books, courses, and programs seen as incompatible with the administration’s educational vision.
Trump ended his speech advising graduates to think big, work hard, and persist. He described them as entering the greatest and most powerful army in history and announced his departure to address matters involving Russia and China, promising continued American victories.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional hat toss and recognition of outstanding cadets, including the Army lacrosse team’s top national ranking. Trump also acknowledged the football team’s victories over Navy and Air Force, highlighting athletic and academic achievements.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, sharply criticized President Trump’s commencement address at West Point during an appearance on MSNBC on Sunday, May 25. During the segment, MSNBC host Alex Witt invited Crockett to share her thoughts on segments of Trump’s speech at the United States Military Academy.
Crockett responded by stating that the address highlighted Trump’s unfitness to serve as commander in chief, comparing him to someone who had escaped from an insane asylum.
She stated that graduates, service members, the nation, and the global community deserve better, urging Republicans to step in and start evaluating Trump’s mental fitness.
