PresidentĀ Donald TrumpĀ delivered the commencement speech at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Saturday.
Addressing 1,002 graduating cadets, Trump called them the first West Point graduates of what he called the āGolden Age of America.ā
He wore his signature red āMake America Great Againā cap during the ceremony.
Trump launched a sharp critique of previous administrations, saying political leaders from both parties misused the military.
He stated that for two decades, leaders sent troops on missions the military was never meant to undertake.
He questioned why the military was involved in nation-building in distant countries that had no interest in U.S. presence.
Trump said those missions wasted American lives, money, and resources while putting soldiers through ideological experiments.
He declared that era over, emphasizing a return to the militaryās core mission of defense and victory.
During his speech, Trump called up several cadets on stage, highlighting their academic and physical achievements, per theĀ New York Post.
These included Rhodes scholars, winners of a hypersonic rocket contest, and the first two female graduates of West Pointās diver school.
Trump criticized the previous practice of using the military for social projects and political causes while neglecting border defense.
He vowed that under his administration, the military would focus on crushing Americaās adversaries and protecting its borders.
Trump praised the graduates as among the āsmartestā and ātoughestā soldiers in the world and the most talented of their generation.
He stated the militaryās job is to dominate foes and annihilate threats anywhere, anytime, and not to engage in cultural experiments.
Trump said restoring respect for the military was crucial and declared the U.S. armed forces are now the most respected army globally.
He emphasized that while peace and partnership remain preferable, America must be prepared to fight and win decisively.
Trump highlighted his plans for a new āGolden Domeā missile defense system and a $1 trillion military budget for the upcoming year.
He said securing the nationās borders is a central military purpose, warning the country was invaded in previous years.
The president recounted his recent Middle East tour, saying U.S. influence there is āhotter now than weāve ever seen it.ā
Trump also accused the Obama administration of allowing Russia to steal American hypersonic rocket designs.
He said he is rebuilding the military ālike nobodyās ever rebuilt it before,ā to enthusiastic applause from cadets.
Trump told graduates they must achieve victory after victory as they receive their commissions.
He shared personal advice, urging them to fight hard and never give up despite challenges or opposition.
Referencing his own legal battles, Trump told cadets he overcame numerous investigations to become president.
He encouraged them not to let ābad peopleā stop them but to take them down if necessary.
The speech emphasized strength, patriotism, and a renewed military focus on defending America first.
Trump concluded by expressing pride in serving as commander in chief of the new generation of military leaders.
The ceremony ended with applause for the graduates and the presidentās call to make Americaās military great and respected again.
West Point cadets marched off into a future shaped by a promise of restored military power and border security.
