Trump Praises West Point Graduates in Commencement Address of Second Term

TL/DR –

President Donald Trump delivered the first service academy commencement address of his second term at West Point, lauding the graduates and veering into political dialogue. He emphasized an “America First” ethos, criticized previous political leaders for sending soldiers into nation-building missions and accused past administrations of leaving borders undefended while depleting arsenals for other nations’ wars. Trump also honored the achievements of individual graduates, pardoned several cadets with disciplinary infractions, and offered advice that included doing what they love, thinking big, and taking risks.

Trump Lauds West Point Graduates at Commencement Address

President Donald Trump praised the West Point cadets’ accomplishments at his first service academy commencement address of his second term. Trump highlighted the cadets’ decision to pursue military careers and expressed his pride over rebuilding the US army.

At the graduation ceremony, Trump referred to the United States as the world’s “hottest country” and emphasized an “America First” approach for the military. He gave a nod to his administration’s efforts in focusing the army on its core mission of defending the American flag and crushing country’s adversaries.

He also criticized Biden’s administration for hosting drag shows on military bases and accused previous administrations of prioritizing social projects over national defense. The president highlighted his effort to rid the military of divisive training types, including transgender ideas and “critical race theory.”

Throughout his speech, Trump frequently shifted the focus to his political career and achievements. Yet, he also acknowledged individual graduates’ accomplishments, such as the expedient completion of an 18.5-mile march by Chris Verdugo and Army’s star quarterback, Bryson Daily. In a traditional move, he pardoned several cadets who had been penalized for disciplinary infractions.

Vice President JD Vance, in a similar vein, spoke at the U.S. Naval Academy’s commencement ceremony in Maryland. Vance emphasized that Trump’s administration aimed to provide clear objectives to US soldiers as opposed to the vague missions of the past.

The president had previously given the address at West Point in 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the school made cadets return to New York, a COVID-19 hotspot, from across the country.

Swenson reported from Bridgewater, New Jersey.

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