Manufacturing Challenges for U.S.-made iPhones, Including the Use of Small Screws
Educated at West Point, Graduates Devide on Trump's Politically Charged Speech
West Point, NY - On May 25, the United States Military Academy witnessed the graduation of a new cohort of army officers. The event was marked by Donald Trump's speech, which confronted various topics, including attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the military and distaste for transgender people.
During his speech at the prestigious academy, Trump criticized previous attempts at military integration and tolerance, insisting that he had "liberated our troops from divisive and demeaning political trainings". He proclaimed that removing such policies resulted in troops no longer performing drag shows overseas.
Among attendees, reactions to Trump's speech were mixed. Infantry Major, who wished to remain anonymous, found Trump's words riveting but maintained that there was nothing for comparison as it was his first commander-in-chief's speech. Cadet George Montras, 23, appreciated parts of the speech that emphasized a winning mentality. However, when it came to the more overtly political content, Montras simply stated that it was consistent with Trump's style.
Trump's speech also included criticisms of former President Barack Obama, who he baselessly accused of providing hypersonic missile technology to Russia. The claim spurred a loud jeer from non-graduating cadets. There was also enthusiastic support for Trump's stance against transgender individuals participating in women's sports.
One attendee admitted that Trump's speech "was good then it just kind of unravelled." The day was a blend of precision military ceremonies and Trump's free-flowing, rally-style rhetoric. General Stephane Richou of France, present with a delegation of senior officers, described the experience as "interesting."
Notably, some Black and Indigenous people were reported to have left the event during the speech, following comments that some found unfavorable. A lieutenant colonel in the US army chaplain corps declined to comment on the controversial elements of the speech but stated that it was inspiring to hear Trump focus on the significance of the military.
Despite the political tone of the speech, many cadets maintained that the day was meant to be apolitical, and they were there to support their classmates. Cadets interviewed by AFP insisted that the event was an honor and a valuable opportunity to achieve a sense of unity.
- The mixed reactions to Donald Trump's speech at West Point encompassed various topics, including his views on tech innovation, war-and-conflicts, and policy-and-legislation, as he critiqued Obama's alleged provision of hypersonic missile technology to Russia.
- Amid the event, sports-related discussions ensued when Trump expressed support for barring transgender individuals from participating in women's sports, garnering enthusiastic support from some cadets.
- While the focus of the day was generally on news related to the graduation of a new cohort of army officers, politics played a prominent role in Trump's speech, raising concerns about diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the military.
