Trump touts changes to military in campaign-style West Point graduation address

President Donald Trump is set to sign executive orders at the White House in Washington, DC on May 23, 2025. During a commencement address at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Trump praised his administration’s military changes in a speech that had elements of a campaign-style rally. He called the graduates the first of America’s “golden age” and emphasized their role in leading the army to new heights. Trump highlighted his “America First” approach and touted the strength of the U.S. military, which he claimed credit for strengthening. He spoke about rebuilding the military and used the opportunity to criticize past administrations. Trump also highlighted his administration’s achievements and expressed the importance of the military being respected globally. His remarks come amidst his administration’s focus on military academies in its efforts to eliminate diversity programs. Trump praised these efforts in his address and mentioned the removal of certain cultural clubs at West Point following his executive order. Additionally, the Pentagon has instructed military academies to remove books with mentions of racism or sexism from their libraries.