During a commencement address at the United States Military Academy at West Point, President Trump told the graduating cadets that they were entering a "golden age" for the nation, attributing this to his administration's efforts to rebuild the military and reshape American society.
Mr. Trump criticized previous "nation-building crusades" and claimed that leadership had subjected servicemembers to "absurd ideological experiments." He emphasized his agenda to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs from various sectors, asserting that the nation was worth fighting for again.
He took credit for improving military recruitment, morale, and commitment to national defense, drawing applause when discussing issues such as transgender athletes in female sports and prioritizing hiring based on merit over diversity.
In his speech, Mr. Trump claimed his predecessors had allowed social projects to detract from military readiness, stating, "All of that’s ended. It’s ended strongly." He asserted that his administration had removed divisive content from military training.
His approach to diversity within the military has been controversial, with reported removals of high-ranking officials who are women or people of color, as well as a ban on transgender individuals serving in the armed forces. His defense secretary has been a vocal supporter of this campaign.
West Point has faced challenges related to the president's directives, leading to the removal of books and classes on race and gender, as well as the disbanding of affinity groups. Some faculty members have expressed concerns over academic freedom and even resigned in protest.
In contrast to his previous speech at West Point in 2020, which addressed the legacy of soldiers in the context of systemic racism, Mr. Trump’s latest address focused on eliminating distractions from the military's core mission of defense.
He criticized the idea of the military engaging in social issues, stating that its purpose is to "crush America’s adversaries" rather than to promote democracy abroad. Throughout his speech, Mr. Trump also highlighted the accomplishments of the graduating class and touted military projects they would be involved with.
He concluded by asserting that the cadets were joining the "greatest and most powerful army the world has ever known," crediting himself with its reconstruction.