President Donald Trump delivered a politically focused address at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, on May 24, 2025. The speech lasted more than an hour and diverged from typical graduation remarks.
Addressing 1,002 graduates while sporting his red “Make America Great Again” hat, Trump combined congratulations with political commentary and anecdotes involving golfers, real estate figures, and organized crime.
This ceremony was Trump’s second appearance at West Point, following his 2020 address that drew attention after he had difficulty descending a ramp. This time, he exited via a side staircase and left before noon for his Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
In his speech, Trump highlighted his administration’s removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs from the military. He informed the cadets that they had been freed from what he described as divisive political trainings. The president declared that critical race theory and transgender policies would no longer be part of the military, referencing his January executive order that aimed to deny the existence of transgender, intersex, and nonbinary individuals in government operations.
These policy changes have been implemented at West Point and other military academies. The institution has disbanded several student organizations, including the Asian-Pacific Forum Club and the National Society of Black Engineers. Faculty have been directed to remove terms like “feminist” and “systemic racism” from their syllabi.
Trump’s speech also included non-military topics. He spent time discussing retired golfer Gary Player, highlighting him as a model of perseverance. Trump noted that Player, despite his smaller stature, achieved success through hard work and advanced exercise routines.
Trump also spoke at length about real estate developer William Levitt, credited with creating modern American suburbs. Trump used Levitt’s life as a cautionary tale, describing how Levitt sold his company, divorced, and remarried a “trophy wife,” which Trump suggested usually ends poorly.
The president referenced his legal challenges, comparing himself to mob boss Al Capone. “I was investigated more than the great late Alphonse Capone,” Trump told the graduates, adding that he faced more scrutiny than Capone before becoming president.
Trump used the platform to promote his immigration policies, asserting that the country had been invaded by individuals who should not be present. His remarks followed a federal judge’s order to return a Guatemalan man wrongfully deported to Mexico. Trump expressed hope for continued court support for his deportation efforts.
Throughout his address, Trump emphasized his November 2024 election victory as a mandate to implement his administration’s agenda. He told the cadets they were the first West Point graduates of America’s “golden age” and praised his administration’s military spending, highlighting a trillion-dollar military budget.
The Class of 2025 includes 252 women, with Joanna K. Halfhill as the valedictorian. The event marked the 45th anniversary of the first class to graduate women. Trump invited several graduates on stage, including Cadet Chris Verdugo, who set a record with an 18.5-mile march in 2 hours and 30 minutes, and quarterback Bryson Daily, whom Trump called “Captain America.”
His immigration comments reflected broader border policies, with Trump praising efforts to curb immigration and remove individuals he considered undesirable. He also took credit for what he described as record peacetime military recruitment, despite improvements before his presidency.
Military observers and former faculty at the academy voiced concerns over the partisan nature of Trump’s comments at the traditionally nonpartisan institution. Graham Parsons, a former West Point professor who resigned over Trump’s policies, described the situation as creating “real whiplash” for the academy community.
The speech occurred amid an examination 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 vision for military education.
Trump concluded by encouraging graduates to think big, work hard, and persevere. He stated they were joining the greatest and most powerful army. The president then announced his departure to address issues involving Russia and China, promising continued American successes.
The ceremony included the traditional hat toss and recognition of outstanding cadets, including the Army lacrosse team’s top ranking. Trump also celebrated the football team’s victories over Navy and Air Force, highlighting both athletic and academic achievements.