WEST POINT, New York — President Trump delivered a passionate graduation speech to the United States Military Academy’s Class of 2023, aiming to instill a sense of purpose and pride in the 1,002 newly commissioned second lieutenants of the Army.
Dressed in his iconic red ‘Make America Great Again’ cap, the 78-year-old commander in chief hailed the graduates as victors in what he termed the ‘Golden Age of America.’
In his remarks, Trump did not shy away from criticizing previous administrations, stating that they had mismanaged military resources and operations.
“For at least two decades,” he asserted, “political leaders from both parties have dragged our military into missions it was never meant to be in.”
He expressed frustration, asking why American military forces were engaged in extensive nation-building efforts in distant lands, often at the cost of American lives and resources.
“People would say, ‘Why are we doing this? Why are we wasting our time, money, and souls in some cases?’” he questioned.
In a declaration of a new era, Trump proclaimed, “All of that is ended,” indicating a shift in military focus back to core objectives.
Throughout the speech, he celebrated the individual successes of the cadets, inviting several onto the stage to highlight their achievements, which included prestigious awards and recognitions.
The audience erupted in cheers for the accomplishments of their peers and the president’s commitment to military revitalization, though his comments on restraint received a more subdued reaction.
Trump emphasized that the priorities of the military should center on confronting adversaries and safeguarding American borders.
“We’re getting rid of the distractions and focusing our military on its core mission: crushing America’s adversaries, killing America’s enemies, and defending our great American flag,” he asserted.
The president also made his stance clear on domestic issues, rejecting military involvement in social projects and political causes.
“The military’s job is to dominate any foe and annihilate any threat to America anywhere, anytime, and anyplace,” he asserted strongly.
He expressed his preference for diplomacy over conflict but emphasized that America’s strength should compel adversaries to concede without battle.
“As much as you want to fight, I’d rather do it without having to fight,” he said.
During the address, Trump discussed upcoming military budgets, including a proposed $1 trillion investment in a new missile defense system, dubbed the Golden Dome.
He reiterated the necessity of strong border protection in addressing illegal immigration and drug trafficking, stating that the country had been under invasion in recent years.
The president commended the graduates for their choice of service, recognizing them as “the smartest” and “toughest” soldiers of their generation.
“You chose a life of service,” he noted, adding, “I could not be more proud to serve you as your commander in chief.”
Reflecting on international perception, Trump claimed that the United States’ standing had improved significantly.
“I can’t wait to see the glory that is ahead,” he remarked after returning from a tour of the Middle East.
Bolstering his argument for military preparedness, Trump renewed claims about alleged espionage, asserting that Russia had stolen American military technology during the Obama administration.
“We had ours stolen,” he stated, reaffirming his accusation against Russia.
As he concluded his speech, Trump spoke of his efforts to restore military strength, urging cadets to embrace their future roles as leaders.
“You have to have victory after victory after victory, and that’s what you’re going to have as you receive your commissions,” he encouraged them.
He offered advice based on his own journey, emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity.
“I went through a very tough time with some very radicalized, sick people,” he shared, alluding to his various legal challenges.
“I went through more investigations than Alphonse Capone, and now I’m talking to you as president,” he noted, reflecting on his personal and political struggles.
Trump concluded with a rallying call for the graduates to remain steadfast against challenges and pursue success without letting negativity hinder their paths.
“You’ve got to fight hard. You’ve got to never give up and don’t let bad people take you down,” he said.
The event served as both a graduation ceremony and a reaffirmation of Trump’s vision for a military that prioritizes American security and global respect.
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