President Donald Trump delivered a fiery and patriotic speech at West Point’s 2025 commencement, telling the U.S. Military Academy graduates they are “winners” and declaring, “Mission accomplished. Great job.”
Addressing the crowd at Michie Stadium, Trump received chants of “USA! USA!” as he took the stage. It was his first military commencement address of his second term. “Let me begin by saying congratulations to the West Point Class of 2025. You are winners. Every single one of you,” he said.
Trump used the moment to lay out his vision for the military — vowing to eliminate DEI and critical race theory programs, end drag shows on bases, and reject the idea of spreading democracy by force. “The military’s job is to dominate and annihilate any threat to America,” he said.
He emphasized his long-standing “peace through strength” mantra, pledging to obliterate threats with overwhelming force if needed. “As much as you want to fight, I’d rather do it without having to fight,” he said. “I just want to look at them and have them fold — and that’s happening.”
Trump announced a $1 trillion military buildup featuring new stealth aircraft, upgraded tanks, and a futuristic “Golden Dome” missile defense shield. He declared all would be “Made in America,” and promised the dome would be finished before he leaves office.
In a personal touch, Trump called Cadet Chris Verdugo on stage for smashing an international 18.5-mile march record and honored Cadet Ricky McMahon, a fourth-generation graduate whose father served in Iraq.
The president also took time to praise Army football victories, highlighting recent wins over Navy and Air Force and celebrating the team’s national ranking. The crowd responded with loud cheers.
Offering advice to the graduates, Trump urged them to “do what you love,” “think big,” and “never lose momentum.” He quoted an athlete who said, “The harder I worked, the luckier I got,” and told cadets to “never give up.”
Trump also praised his administration for closing the border and said the U.S. had been “invaded” in recent years. He framed the current moment as one of renewal and resurgence for America’s military and national identity.
The historic academy has produced legendary leaders like Patton, MacArthur, Eisenhower, and Grant — and Trump made clear he sees the Class of 2025 as ready to carry that legacy forward.
On the same day, Vice President JD Vance addressed Naval Academy graduates, warning of growing threats from China and Russia and promoting a shift away from endless military entanglements with unclear goals.