In a recent commencement address at West Point Military Academy, former President Donald Trump expressed strong opposition to diversity and inclusion initiatives in the military and criticized NATO allies for their defense spending. Speaking to a crowd of graduates, family members, and supporters, Trump emphasized the military’s primary mission of combat readiness and national defense.
Dressed in a suit and his iconic red “Make America Great Again” cap, Trump delivered remarks that combined motivational advice with pointed critiques of contemporary cultural and political issues. He stated, “The role of the U.S. Armed Forces is not to engage in cultural transformations but to eliminate threats to our nation, wherever they may arise.”
Since resuming office in January, Trump has taken steps to dismantle existing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, aligning with his broader agenda of reversing policies established by his predecessor, Joe Biden. He reassured the 1,002 graduating cadets that there would be no imposition of critical race theory or gender identity training on military personnel.
This address marks Trump’s second appearance at the West Point commencement, having previously spoken there in 2020 amid pandemic restrictions. West Point is designed to cultivate future military leaders who uphold the principles of nonpartisanship and a commitment to the U.S. Constitution.
In his speech, Trump also asserted his contributions to military enhancements, recalling his administration’s efforts to bolster the U.S. Army and reiterating his criticism of NATO’s funding policies. He remarked on the unfairness of trade practices and defense spending, claiming, “For years, we have been taken advantage of by other nations, but that is no longer the case.”
Looking ahead, Trump is scheduled to lead the celebrations for the Army’s 250th anniversary on June 14, coinciding with his own birthday. He also shared updates about the $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense system, a project aimed at countering potential threats from global adversaries, including China and Russia. Experts warn, however, that such initiatives could trigger an arms race in space as other nations may respond with similar advancements in their military capabilities.
