President Donald Trump delivered the commencement address at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Saturday, marking his first speech to the academy’s graduating class amid a period of significant changes within military educational institutions. His appearance, clad in his signature red “Make America Great Again” hat, was highlighted by praise for the cadets and a spotlight on the administration’s ongoing policy shifts, particularly its rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the armed forces.
The Trump administration, alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has pushed for sweeping reforms at military academies, aiming to eliminate programs and groups focused on diversity and inclusion. These moves have sparked both support and controversy. In February, shortly after Hegseth’s Senate confirmation, West Point disbanded multiple student organizations including the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, the Latin Cultural Club, and the Native American Heritage Forum. These decisions were made under the guidance of presidential executive orders and Department of Defense directives, reflecting the administration’s commitment to reshaping military education along new ideological lines.
Trump’s commencement speech, which involved bringing several graduates on stage as a symbol of recognition, echoed the broader themes of his administration’s stance. His remarks underscored the importance of unity and traditional military values, sidestepping discussions around diversity programs that have been curtailed in recent months. This speech came amid a climate of heightened debate over the role of DEI programs in military training and education.
The disbanding of DEI-related clubs followed actions like the removal of 381 books from U.S. Naval Academy libraries during the winter, many of which were authored by Black writers or addressed topics like racism and social justice. The Pentagon’s memo had directed military services to identify and pull books that included specific keywords related to race and gender issues. While most of these books were reinstated after a Pentagon review, the episode highlighted the administration’s aggressive approach to reshaping military culture.
Critics have been vocal in their opposition. Former West Point educators and current military personnel have argued that diversity initiatives do not impede military effectiveness or values but rather enhance the educational environment and prepare cadets for a diverse society. Graham Parsons, a West Point professor, penned a guest essay in the New York Times labeling these administrative actions as efforts to indoctrinate rather than educate, emphasizing that cadets should have the freedom to engage critically with complex social issues like critical race theory and gender identity rather than having such topics censored.
The commencement ceremony itself was not without protest. Organizers reported plans for two demonstrations—one at West Point’s main gate and another on the Hudson River with protestors on boats—reflecting the contentious atmosphere surrounding the event.
In parallel with these developments, the Trump administration continues to promote its achievements with the military, including high recruiting numbers and various ceremonies honoring service members. Earlier in May, Trump hosted military mothers at the White House alongside First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance, celebrating Mother’s Day and underscoring the administration’s support for military families.
Looking ahead, Trump plans to hold a large military parade in Washington, D.C., as part of the United States Army’s 250th birthday celebrations. This event is set to feature veterans, active-duty troops, wounded warriors, and Gold Star families, and aims to honor the Army’s legacy while projecting a vision for the next 250 years of American patriotism and military service.
Trump’s last commencement address at West Point in 2020 had sparked health speculation after he was seen struggling to walk down a ramp and appeared to have difficulty drinking water while speaking. He dismissed these concerns on social media, attributing his challenges to the steepness and slipperiness of the ramp during a sunny day.
The 2025 commencement address came at a pivotal moment for military education in America, reflecting broader political and cultural battles over the future direction of the armed forces. As the military and the nation grapple with these changes, the graduates of West Point find themselves stepping into roles shaped by a complex and evolving landscape—where tradition and transformation intersect.
This year’s ceremony and the surrounding discourse serve as a reminder of the powerful influence political leadership exerts over military institutions and the ongoing debates about identity, values, and unity in the armed forces. The coming months and years will reveal how these policies will shape the experiences of service members and the broader American military culture.
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