Article Summary:
President Donald Trump addressed West Point’s Class of 2025, emphasizing military strength, national pride, and his “America First” vision during a rainy commencement ceremony.
WEST POINT, NY — Under gray skies and a steady spring drizzle, President Donald J. Trump took the stage at the United States Military Academy on May 24, 2025, to deliver the commencement address to a graduating class of 1,002 cadets.
Despite the overcast weather and cool 59°F (15°C) temperatures, the ceremony remained steeped in tradition and military decorum. Families, dignitaries, and high-ranking officials gathered to honor the next generation of officers set to serve across the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
In a speech that drew on themes of military power, patriotism, and American sovereignty, Trump praised the resilience of the cadets and reflected on his administration’s legacy. He emphasized what he called the “rebuilding” of the U.S. military during his term, pointing to a $2 trillion investment in defense capabilities and modernization.
Trump reaffirmed his “America First” foreign policy stance, stating unequivocally:
“The job of the American soldier is not to rebuild foreign nations, but to defend our own.”
The address was met with respectful applause from cadets and attendees, reinforcing the significance of the moment for the graduating class. As the next generation of military leaders prepares to take up their commissions, the presence of a former Commander-in-Chief served as a symbolic handoff—marking both the end of their training and the beginning of their service.
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