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. 

You May Also Like
Lawsuit filed in Illinois Court of Claims on assaults at Bronzeville facility linked to Department of Children and Family Services

Illinois Court of Claims Lawsuit Targets DCFS Over Assaults at Bronzeville Child Welfare Facility

Attorneys for a woman who says she was sexually assaulted as a…
Trump's $300B Iran investment fund may be 'close to impossible' due to IRGC sanctions law, expert warns

IRGC Sanctions Could Derail Trump’s Proposed $300 Billion Iran Investment Fund, Expert Says

A proposed $300 billion investment fund for Iran, outlined in the new…
Chicago officials debate Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposed $425M TIF funding for 'The 78' project, Chicago Fire soccer stadium

Chicago Officials Weigh $425M TIF Plan for The 78, Including Proposed Chicago Fire Stadium

CHICAGO (WLS) — A debate is unfolding over whether Chicago should tap…
What is Juneteenth and why is it celebrated? What to know for 2025 as Trump discourages DEI events at federal agencies

Juneteenth 2026: What It Is, Why It’s Celebrated, and What to Know

It was 161 years ago that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were…
Judge blocks DOJ from releasing Biden's conversations with biographer for 3 weeks

Federal Judge Halts DOJ Release of Biden-Biographer Interview Recordings for Three Weeks

Washington — A federal judge on Friday temporarily stopped the Justice Department…
Thousand-year-old ancient oak tree tied to 'Robin Hood' legend has died, wildlife charity says

Robin Hood’s Legendary Ancient Oak Dies After 1,000 Years, Wildlife Charity Confirms

The Major Oak, the towering ancient tree long associated with the legend…
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Gilgo sentencing, a warning from 'Happy Face,' Mangione psychs himself out

Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Gilgo Sentencing, a Warning From ‘Happy Face,’ and Mangione’s Mental Spiral

Convicted Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann was transferred out of Long…
2026 Juneteenth events in Chicago area: Evanston 'Opal's Walk for Freedom' march honors Opal Lee, grandmother of Juneteenth

Chicago Juneteenth 2026: Evanston’s Opal’s Walk for Freedom Honors Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth

EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) — People gathered in Evanston on Thursday to mark…
Becky Hill’s 'disgraceful' comments and book ambitions unraveled Alex Murdaugh's murder conviction: Docs

Former Murdaugh Trial Clerk Seeks Protection From Retaliation Lawsuit After Conviction Challenge

Court overturns Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions The former South Carolina court clerk…
Less than half of Americans can afford quality healthcare, Gallup finds

Gallup: Fewer Than Half of Americans Can Afford Quality Healthcare

Fewer than half of Americans were able to afford medical bills and…
WATCH: Boozy boaters unleash wild riverfront brawl as fists fly at popular South Carolina sandbar

Video: Fight breaks out among boaters at popular South Carolina sandbar

A normally lively stretch of the Congaree River turned chaotic on June…
Stacey King funeral: Celebration of life honors Chicago Bulls legend, 3-time NBA champion, broadcaster, who died at 59

Stacey King Remembered: Chicago Bulls Champion and Broadcaster Honored at Celebration of Life

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. (WLS) — Family, friends and former colleagues gathered Thursday…