Trump addresses West Point graduates: 'You are winners'

President Donald Trump told U.S. Military Academy graduates at West Point’s commencement ceremony that they are all winners. 

“To start, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the West Point Class of 2025. Each and every one of you has proven to be a champion.” “Today, with pride, I state: mission accomplished. You’ve done an excellent job.”

The speech to the 2025 graduation class marks the first military commencement address of Trump’s second term.

President Donald Trump delivered the commencement speech at West Point’s 2025 US Military Academy Graduation Ceremony in New York on May 24, 2025.  (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

The academy is renowned for training notable Army officers such as Gen. George S. Patton and Gen. Douglas MacArthur, as well as Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Some of its graduates have gone on to become CEOs of major companies, such as Jim Kimsey, founder of AOL; Bob McDonald, former CEO of Procter & Gamble; and Alex Gorsky, CEO of Johnson & Johnson.

JD Vance hands a diploma

Vice President JD Vance, left, hands a diploma to a graduate during the the U.S. Naval Academy’s graduation and commissioning ceremony at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Friday, May 23. (AP/Stephanie Scarbrough)

On Friday, Vice President JD Vance told graduates at the United States Naval Academy on Friday that they are embarking on a mission in a new and very dangerous era for the country, with threats from adversaries such as China and Russia.

Vance emphasized a move away from prolonged military engagements with undefined missions. He highlighted the administration’s focus on clear, specific objectives when deploying military force.

Fox News’ Greg Norman and Aislinn Murphy contributed to this report. 

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