Trump to West Point Class of 2025: 'You Are Winners' in a New Era of Strength

In a rousing speech at West Point's Michie Stadium, President Donald Trump addressed the Class of 2025, declaring, "You are winners, every single one of you." The 1,002 graduating cadets, bathed in chants of "USA, USA," marked Trump’s first military commencement address of his second term. He hailed the U.S. Military Academy as "the most elite and storied in human history," a breeding ground for legends like Patton, MacArthur, and Presidents Grant and Eisenhower.

Trump’s speech was vintage: bold, brash, and unapologetic. He lambasted past foreign policies, vowing to dismantle critical race theory, DEI programs, and what he called misguided military priorities like "hosting drag shows" or nation-building abroad. Instead, he championed "peace through strength," promising a $1 trillion military buildup featuring stealth aircraft, tanks, and a cutting-edge "Golden Dome" missile defense shield—proudly "Made in America." His vision? A military so formidable that adversaries "fold" without a fight.

Highlighting individual triumphs, Trump invited Cadet Chris Verdugo onstage for smashing an international 18.5-mile march record and honored Cadet Ricky McMahon, a fourth-generation West Pointer. He also celebrated Army’s football victories over Navy and Air Force, reveling in the cadets’ competitive spirit. His advice to the graduates? "Do what you love, think big, work hard, and never lose momentum." Quoting an athlete, he added, "The harder I worked, the luckier I got."

Trump didn’t shy from hot-button issues, claiming his administration had "closed the border" after years of what he called an "invasion." His focus remained on restoring "merit-based systems" and traditional military values, urging the cadets to dominate any threat to America with "overwhelming strength."

The speech underscored Trump’s broader agenda: a muscular, America-first military policy, with a nod to Vice President JD Vance’s recent Naval Academy address warning of a "dangerous era" with threats from China and Russia. For these cadets, Trump’s message was clear: they’re not just graduates—they’re warriors for a resurgent nation.