West Point in Focus: Commencement Ceremony and Campus Controversies
West Point, NY – May 24, 2025: The United States Military Academy at West Point drew national attention this weekend as President Donald Trump delivered a politically charged commencement address to the graduating class of 2025, amid ongoing debates about the academy’s educational direction and recent campus milestones.
Trump’s Commencement Address: Praise and Politics
President Trump, wearing his signature red "Make America Great Again" hat, addressed 1,002 graduating cadets at Michie Stadium, hailing them as "winners" and emphasizing their entry into "the most elite and storied military academy in human history." He credited his administration with revitalizing the U.S. military, declaring, "You will become officers of the greatest and most powerful army the world has ever known. And I know, because I rebuilt that army, and I rebuilt the military. And we rebuilt it like nobody has ever rebuilt it before in my first term".
The president’s remarks quickly shifted from traditional congratulations to a rally-like tone, underscoring his administration’s America First ethos and recent anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Trump asserted that the military’s core mission is "crushing America's adversaries, killing America's enemies and defending our great American flag like it has never been defended before," pointedly stating, "The job of the U.S. Armed Forces is not to host drag shows or transform foreign cultures".
Trump also recognized standout cadets, including Army quarterback Bryson Daily, nicknamed "Captain America," for his leadership in Army’s football victories over Navy and Air Force. Daily, who is set to become an infantry officer, was invited on stage to address the audience. The president also continued the tradition of granting a pardon to cadets facing minor disciplinary infractions.
Academic Freedom and Campus Controversy
The celebratory tone of commencement was tempered by ongoing controversy over recent changes to West Point’s academic environment. In January, a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth led to the cancellation of certain classes and the removal of books deemed inconsistent with the administration’s anti-DEI agenda. This sparked debate among faculty and alumni about the future of academic freedom at the academy.
Philosophy professor Graham Parsons, who resigned after 13 years, publicly criticized these changes in a New York Times op-ed, arguing that new policies undermine West Point’s educational mission. Parsons cited a recent executive order and Hegseth’s memo as the reasons for his departure, stating he could "no longer tolerate the changes." Hegseth dismissed the criticism, saying Parsons "will not be missed".
Academic Achievements and Notable Visits
Despite the controversy, West Point celebrated a significant academic milestone: all 29 cadets who applied for the 2025 Medical School Scholarship Program were accepted into top medical schools, reinforcing the academy’s reputation for developing future Army physicians.
Senator Ted Cruz also visited the academy this week, meeting with cadets and faculty to discuss congressional support for military training and leadership development.
A Dual Role in the National Spotlight
These developments underscore West Point’s dual role as both a premier institution for military leadership and a focal point for national debates on the direction of military education and values. As the academy’s newest officers begin their careers, West Point remains at the intersection of tradition, transformation, and political scrutiny.