President Donald Trump’s commencement address at West Point ignited controversy as he celebrated a new military era while dismantling diversity programs.
At a Glance
- Trump addressed 1,002 cadets at West Point, marking his second speech at the academy.
- His administration has disbanded DEI-related student clubs and removed associated materials.
- He announced the $540 billion “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative.
- Protests occurred outside the academy, opposing the rollback of diversity efforts.
- Trump criticized previous administrations for involving the military in ideological agendas.
Strategic Pivot
In his address, Trump lauded the graduates as the inaugural class of the “Golden Age of America,” emphasizing a shift towards traditional military values. He highlighted the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, including the disbandment of student organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers and the Latin Cultural Club at West Point, as detailed in coverage by ABC7NY. These actions align with Executive Order 14151, which mandates the removal of DEI initiatives across federal agencies.
Trump also unveiled the “Golden Dome,” a proposed $540 billion missile defense system modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome. According to The Washington Times, the initiative aims to deploy space-based interceptors to protect the U.S. from missile threats. Critics, however, question its feasibility, with some analysts estimating that total costs could balloon to $831 billion over two decades.
Watch a report: Trump delivers West Point commencement address.
Risk and Opportunity
The administration’s aggressive rollback of DEI programs has sparked significant backlash. Former West Point philosophy professor Graham Parsons resigned in protest, stating, “I am ashamed to be associated with the academy in its current form.” Demonstrators gathered outside the academy, voicing concerns that the suppression of academic freedom and sidelining of minority perspectives undermines military education’s integrity.
Despite the controversy, Trump maintains that these measures are necessary to restore merit-based advancement and to eliminate what he labels “divisive political training,” as discussed in ABC7NY’s report. He argues that military institutions must focus on core defense competencies, not ideological instruction.
The “Golden Dome” initiative has also drawn scrutiny from defense experts. While the administration touts it as a revolutionary deterrent, concerns persist over escalating tensions with rival powers. China has condemned the plan, warning it could trigger a new arms race.
As Trump reshapes military policy, the broader consequences—both strategic and social—remain uncertain. The coming months will test whether these changes strengthen the military or fracture its foundational values.
