US President Donald Trump delivered a fiery and politically charged commencement speech at West Point on Saturday, using the occasion to praise the graduating cadets while claiming credit for America’s military resurgence and reaffirming his “America First” doctrine.Speaking to 1,002 graduates at Michie Stadium, Trump celebrated their hard work and honoured the academy’s storied legacy. “In a few moments, you’ll become graduates of the most elite and storied military academy in human history,” he said. “And I know, because I rebuilt that army, and I rebuilt the military.”Wearing his trademark red “Make America Great Again” cap, Trump veered into political territory, asserting his administration had redefined military priorities. “We’re getting rid of distractions and we’re focusing our military on its core mission: crushing America’s adversaries, killing America’s enemies and defending our great American flag like it has never been defended before,” he said.Trump also condemned what he described as “social projects and political causes” under previous administrations. He accused past leaders of dragging the military into “nation-building crusades to nations that wanted nothing to do with us” and praised his own record of keeping the US out of wars.“We had no wars, we had no problems, we had nothing but success, we had the most incredible economy,” he said, repeating claims about the 2020 and 2024 elections. Trump declared he had won all seven swing states in the last election, giving him a “mandate” to act decisively.Amid the political rhetoric, Trump took moments to highlight individual cadet achievements. He brought forward cadet Chris Verdugo, who completed a gruelling 18.5-mile march in freezing temperatures in just two hours and 30 minutes. He also applauded West Point’s top-ranking lacrosse team and football quarterback Bryson Daily, whom he praised for his “steel”-like shoulder.Trump used Daily to reinforce his position on transgender athletes, saying, “This is the kind of shoulder that belongs in men’s sports.”In keeping with tradition, he also issued pardons for several cadets facing disciplinary infractions, telling the class, “You could have gone anywhere, but what you’re doing is better.”Calling this a “defining moment,” Trump advised the new officers to “do what you love,” take risks and reject careerism. “We need patriots with guts and vision and backbone,” he said.Outside the campus, about three dozen demonstrators gathered peacefully, reported AP. Some waved flags, while others held signs opposing Trump’s political views, including one reading “Go Army Beat Fascism.”Trump’s appearance echoed his previous West Point address in 2020 during the pandemic, which stirred controversy for bringing cadets back to campus amid health concerns. Earlier this month, he also delivered a politically tinged speech at the University of Alabama.
