• Trump claims credit for rebuilding the U.S. military during a West Point commencement.
• He emphasizes an "America First" doctrine and military readiness.
• Trump criticizes previous administrations for focusing on social issues over military objectives.
• The president pardoned cadets facing disciplinary actions during the ceremony.
• Demonstrators gathered outside the event, opposing Trump's political views.

During a politically charged commencement address at West Point on May 24, 2025, US President Donald Trump asserted that he had successfully rebuilt the military, claiming it was now the "greatest fighting force in the history of the world." Speaking to an audience of 1,002 graduates, he stated, "In a few moments, you’ll become graduates of the most elite and storied military academy in human history," and emphasized his belief that his administration was the catalyst for this military resurgence, according to Indiatimes and South China Morning Post.

Trump highlighted a distinct "America First" ethos, declaring his intention to purify the military from what he termed "absurd ideological experiments" and other distractions. He criticized past leaders for engaging the military in "nation-building crusades" and emphasized that military efforts should focus on "crushing America’s adversaries" rather than social initiatives, as indicated by New York Times and Indiatimes.

In a segment of the speech dedicated to individual accomplishments, Trump recognized cadet Chris Verdugo, who completed an arduous march, and lauded the success of West Point's athletic teams. He also brought attention to issues surrounding transgender athletes in sports, using West Point's football quarterback, Bryson Daily, to highlight his stances on gender and athletic participation, according to South China Morning Post and Indiatimes.

Further underscoring his political agenda, Trump issued pardons to several cadets who had faced disciplinary actions, continuing his tradition from previous addresses at military academies. He concluded with a rallying cry for the new officers to "never ever give up," reinforcing a motivational tone amid his political assertions and criticisms, as reported by Indiatimes and New York Times.

Outside the venue, a small group of demonstrators gathered, reflecting the polarized political climate surrounding Trump's address. Participants expressed their opposition to the president's views with various placards, displaying messages critical of his political stance, according to South China Morning Post and New York Times.