President Trump Takes the Podium at West Point for His First Military Commencement Speech of His Second Term
On a bright Saturday at the United States Military Academy, President Donald Trump stepped up to deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2025. It marked his first time speaking at West Point during his second term, bringing a wave of attention and some mixed emotions, given the complex backdrop of both his current policies and the history surrounding his past visits.
A Look Back: Trump’s Last West Point Speech in 2020
Five years ago, when President Trump last addressed cadets at West Point, the nation was grappling with intense social unrest. The country was still reeling from the tragic death of George Floyd, and protests demanding racial justice echoed from coast to coast. Trump’s 2020 speech reflected those turbulent times, focusing heavily on law and order.
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He thanked the National Guard, praising their role in “ensuring peace, safety, and the constitutional rule of law on our streets.”
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Trump reminded the graduating cadets of the legacy they inherit, urging them never to forget the soldiers who fought to “extinguish the evil of slavery.”
That speech was steeped in a moment of national reckoning, and the message was clear: uphold order, honor history, and lead with discipline.
The Changing Face of West Point and DEI Policies
Since then, West Point has seen significant shifts — some subtle, others quite dramatic. Back in 2020, a group of nine graduates sent a letter to academy administrators requesting that anti-racism training be integrated into the curriculum. Their argument was that West Point wasn’t fully preparing leaders to handle the realities of managing diverse organizations, a critical need in the modern military.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape at West Point looks very different. Under President Trump’s second administration, an executive order has banned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the military, affecting West Point directly.
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In February of this year, West Point disbanded about a dozen cadet clubs that were formed around race and gender identity.
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These included groups like the Asian-Pacific Forum Club, the National Society of Black Engineers Club, and the Society of Women Engineers Club.
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The administration’s order explicitly prohibits any race or sex-based preference in the military.
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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was tasked with conducting internal reviews of all DEI initiatives across the armed forces.
President Trump campaigned on the promise of rooting out what he called “woke” military generals and reinstating a merit-based system where performance, not identity, would decide leadership roles and opportunities.
Voices of Opposition at West Point
Not everyone at West Point has welcomed these changes. The academic community, in particular, has voiced strong opposition.
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Philosophy Professor Graham Parsons resigned recently after publishing an op-ed in The New York Times.
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In his piece, Parsons criticized the sweeping impact of the administration’s policies on the academy’s curriculum and faculty research.
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He described the executive order as a “sweeping assault” on academic freedom and intellectual inquiry at one of the nation’s premier military institutions.
These tensions underline a larger national debate about the balance between tradition, meritocracy, and the evolving expectations of inclusion within the military ranks.
Vice President J.D. Vance Sets the Tone at the Naval Academy
The day before President Trump’s speech, Vice President J.D. Vance—himself a Marine veteran—addressed the graduating class at the U.S. Naval Academy. His message echoed a key shift in the current administration’s foreign policy: no more endless “forever wars.”
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Vance emphasized that future military engagements would only be undertaken with “a specific set of goals in mind,” signaling a move away from open-ended conflicts.
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As Memorial Day approached, Vance paid heartfelt tribute to the sacrifice of service members.
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He shared a personal story about Major Megan McClung, a fellow officer he served with in Iraq, who was tragically killed by a roadside bomb at the age of 34.
“She was bright, tough, and incredibly dedicated to her job,” Vance recalled, underscoring the personal cost behind military service.
Even though Vance acknowledged that not every cadet shared his political views, he assured them that he was rooting for their success and leadership.
The Class of 2025: A Diverse Group of Future Leaders
Speaking of diversity, despite the current restrictions on DEI programs, the 2025 graduating class at West Point is notable for its international representation.
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Out of the 1,002 cadets graduating this year, 14 are international cadets.
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These young officers come from countries all over the world, including Kosovo, Qatar, and Poland.
This international presence highlights West Point’s continued role not only as a U.S. military leadership incubator but also as a global training ground fostering alliances and cross-cultural military understanding.
What This Means for the Future of West Point and the U.S. Military
The tension at West Point between tradition and change mirrors a larger conversation about how America’s military should evolve in the 21st century. On one hand, the Trump administration’s focus is on:
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Enforcing a strict merit-based system,
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Eliminating what it sees as divisive “woke” ideologies,
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Reinforcing discipline and order in the ranks.
On the other, there are voices advocating for inclusion, cultural competence, and training cadets to lead effectively in a world defined by diversity.
This clash creates a dynamic environment where every speech, every policy change, and every graduation address is heavily scrutinized.
Some Key Takeaways From Trump’s 2025 West Point Address
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Focus on meritocracy: The president reiterated his commitment to rewarding ability and performance over identity politics.
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Historical respect: He reminded cadets of their duty to uphold the legacy of past heroes who fought to protect freedom and unity.
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Law and order emphasis: Echoing his 2020 address, Trump continued to stress the importance of maintaining peace and constitutional law.
Looking Ahead: Military Leadership in a Complex World
As the Class of 2025 steps into leadership roles, they face unprecedented challenges—from geopolitical tensions to evolving societal expectations. They will be tasked with:
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Navigating a military that balances tradition with the need for modernization,
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Leading diverse teams effectively despite ongoing debates about DEI programs,
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Engaging with allies and partners worldwide, as seen by the international cadet presence,
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Carrying forward the lessons of sacrifice, service, and dedication that define the military ethos.
Final Thoughts
President Trump’s return to West Point for his second-term commencement address highlights the crossroads at which the U.S. military currently stands. Between calls for a merit-based, no-nonsense approach and the push for inclusive leadership development, the academy—and the military as a whole—is wrestling with defining its identity for the future.
With stories like Major Megan McClung’s sacrifice and the presence of cadets from around the globe, the Class of 2025 embodies both the legacy and the promise of American military leadership.
As these young officers prepare to serve, their journey will undoubtedly be shaped by the policies, speeches, and debates happening today—marking an important chapter in the history of West Point and the United States armed forces.
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