At West Point, Trump vowed a $1T defense boost, reaffirmed bans on DEI and men in women’s sports, and praised graduates.

Trump’s First Military Commencement of Second Term

President Donald Trump delivered a high-energy address to the United States Military Academy’s Class of 2025 at West Point, marking his first military commencement speech since beginning his second term. Greeted by chants of “USA, USA,” Trump praised the 1,002 graduating cadets as “winners” and declared, “Mission accomplished, great job.”

Emphasizing tradition and strength, Trump called West Point “the most elite and storied military academy in human history.” He underscored a renewed focus on merit-based advancement and traditional military values, sharply rejecting what he described as distractions such as DEI programs, drag shows, and foreign nation-building. “The military’s job is to dominate any foe and annihilate any threat to America, anywhere, anytime,” he said.

Massive Military Expansion and Cultural Policies

Trump announced a sweeping $1 trillion military build-up, including new stealth aircraft, upgraded tanks, and the introduction of a “Golden Dome” missile defense shield. He stressed the equipment would be “Made in America,” and promised the dome would be completed before he leaves office.

“If the United States is under attack, the army will obliterate our opponents with overwhelming strength and devastating force,” he declared. He reiterated his “peace through strength” doctrine, noting that deterrence often prevents conflict: “I just want to look at them and have them fold — and that’s happening.”

Trump’s address also reaffirmed his administration’s position on transgender athletes. Referencing his February 5 executive order, he stated firmly, “We will not have men in women's sports.” He labeled the inclusion of biological males in female competitions as “demeaning” and “ridiculous,” adding, “That’s over. We ended it.”

The policy has sparked backlash in several states, including Maine, which briefly lost Department of Agriculture funding before a federal judge intervened. Some school districts have openly defied the order, including one in Washington state that recently barred transgender athletes from girls’ competitions despite state-level guidance to the contrary.

Trump cited polling showing overwhelming national support for banning biological males from women’s sports. A New York Times/Ipsos survey found that 79% of Americans oppose such participation, including 67% of Democrats or Democrat-leaning respondents.

The West Point speech echoed themes from Trump’s recent remarks at the University of Alabama, where he similarly championed a military grounded in discipline, deterrence, and American values.

During the ceremony, Trump celebrated a cadet who broke an international record for an 18.5-mile march and highlighted Army’s athletic victories over Navy and Air Force. He closed with personal advice, urging graduates to “think big,” “work hard,” and “never give up.”

“The harder you work, the luckier you get,” he told the cadets, urging them to maintain momentum and passion in their careers. The speech blended policy, pageantry, and personal reflection—hallmarks of Trump’s public style.

West Point has produced notable leaders including Presidents Grant and Eisenhower, and generals like MacArthur and Patton. Its legacy, Trump noted, is now entrusted to a new generation committed to defending the nation’s future.