Trump to Speak at West Point’s Military Graduation Ceremony/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump will address West Point’s graduating class on Saturday, marking his first military commencement speech since returning to office. The address follows a recent political-laced speech at the University of Alabama. Vice President JD Vance spoke Friday at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Trump’s West Point Return + Quick Looks
- Trump to deliver military commencement at West Point Saturday morning.
- His first military graduation speech since returning to the presidency.
- Previously spoke at West Point in 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2020 speech focused on unity and military legacy, during national racial unrest.
- Trump’s recent Alabama speech blended graduation themes with political commentary.
- VP JD Vance spoke at Naval Academy Friday, criticizing past U.S. military strategy.
- Trump expected to speak after 10:15 a.m. EDT, honoring new Army officers.
- West Point ceremony highlights tradition, amid renewed political influence on military events.
Trump to Speak at West Point’s Military Graduation Ceremony
Deep Look
WEST POINT, N.Y. — President Donald Trump will return to the United States Military Academy at West Point on Saturday to deliver the keynote address at its 2025 graduation ceremony, marking his first military commencement speech since reentering the White House.
The event comes five years after Trump last addressed West Point graduates in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. That speech, delivered amid nationwide unrest following the killing of George Floyd, included calls for unity and tributes to military heroes like General Douglas MacArthur and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, both West Point alumni.
This year’s address is expected to strike a different tone, reflecting the current political landscape and Trump’s assertive second-term agenda.
A Return to Tradition—and Politics
Trump is expected to begin his remarks shortly after 10:15 a.m. EDT, in front of a crowd of cadets, military leaders, and family members. His speech will honor the newly commissioned Army officers while likely reinforcing themes of national strength, military honor, and policy priorities for defense.
His 2020 address drew scrutiny for requiring cadets—many of whom had returned home due to pandemic restrictions—to travel back to campus amid rising COVID-19 cases. This year’s event returns to a more conventional setting, free of pandemic constraints but still steeped in political undertones.
Trump’s most recent commencement speech earlier this month at the University of Alabama mixed standard inspirational themes with partisan jabs at President Joe Biden, critiques of transgender athletes in sports, and repeated falsehoods about the 2020 election.
His presence at West Point underscores his campaign to align military tradition with his broader political message and highlights the Republican Party’s efforts to reclaim cultural and institutional influence.
Vice President Vance Speaks at Naval Academy
On Friday, Vice President JD Vance addressed graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, where he echoed Trump’s criticism of past military interventions. Vance said the administration is focused on ensuring that U.S. troops are deployed only with “clear, achievable goals,” avoiding what he described as the “undefined missions” of the past.
“No more open-ended conflicts,” Vance told graduates. “Our forces deserve a mission with purpose, not politics.”
Military Ceremonies in a Partisan Era
The West Point address continues a growing trend of presidents and senior leaders using commencement platforms to blend ceremonial responsibilities with pointed policy messages. While graduation events at military institutions have traditionally focused on honor, service, and unity, recent years have seen more overt political messaging woven into the addresses.
Trump’s return to West Point is emblematic of his approach: respecting military heritage while leveraging the moment to reinforce his administration’s national security priorities, such as restoring U.S. military dominance and reevaluating overseas engagements.
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