Trump honors West Point athletes in graduation speech at military institution
During the commencement speech at West Point on Saturday, President Donald Trump spotlighted the impressive athletic achievements of the graduating cadets, particularly that of Army quarterback Cadet Bryson Daily.
Upon discussing the academy's sporting successes, Trump acknowledged the number one-ranked men's lacrosse team and the nationally-ranked football team. He commended the football team for their notable victories over Navy and Air Force, and highlighted the improvement of the team during Cadet Daily's tenure.
Praising Daily's choice to focus on his career as an infantry officer rather than pursuing a career in professional football, Trump invited the player to speak at the ceremony, prompting him to express his enthusiasm for his future with the Army and his love for the football team.
President Trump had previously recognized the achievements of graduates from other fields, including engineering and endurance, during speeches. By celebrating the accomplishments of cadets excelling in various domains, Trump emphasized the strong and talented cohort of West Point graduates, reinforcing themes of military prowess and American resilience.
Throughout the speech, President Trump touched on various political issues and vowed to promote traditional military values, such as ending critical race theory and DEI initiatives, while also pledging to uphold merit-based systems.
[1] "President Trump Praises West Point Graduates, Traditional Military Values Amid Campaign-Like Speech" (2025). URL: [Link to the source]
[3] "Trump Faces Criticism Over Focusing on Individual Successes During Commencement Speeches" (2025). URL: [Link to the source]
"President Trump additionally mentioned the academy's successful American-football team, appreciating their triumphant games against Navy and Air Force, and the marked improvement evident during Cadet Daily's leadership. He also acknowledged the national recognition of the lacrosse team and the men's football team, suggesting an all-embracing respect for sports at West Point."
"Amidst significant discussions on political issues and the emphasis on traditional military values, such as opposing critical race theory and promoting merit-based systems, President Trump showcased his appreciation for sports, highlighting football, American-football, and the NCAA during his speech at West Point."
