**Trump Celebrates West Point Athletes in Commencement Address**
Former President Donald Trump addressed the graduating class at West Point on Saturday, commending the academy’s “first-rate athletes” and their impressive achievements in sports.
During his speech, Trump expressed admiration for the school’s athletic programs, particularly highlighting the men’s lacrosse team, which achieved a historic milestone last year by becoming the No. 1-ranked men’s lacrosse team in the nation. “That’s a tough sport, too,” he remarked, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.
Trump also praised the Army football team, recalling their notable victories against Navy and Air Force. He noted, “Your sophomore year, Army football beat Navy, 20-17, and the next year, you did it again, beating Navy, 17-11, and dominating Air Force, 23-3.” He celebrated the team’s recent success, which included breaking into the top 20 nationally and achieving their longest winning streak since 1949, thanks in part to graduating quarterback Cadet Bryson Daily, whom Trump affectionately referred to as “Captain America.”
Inviting Daily to the stage, Trump encouraged him to share a few words. Daily expressed his excitement for graduation and his love for his teammates. Trump remarked on Daily’s impressive physical condition, stating, “I just tapped his shoulder. It’s like I hit a piece of steel. The guy’s in good shape.” He praised Daily’s commitment to serving as an infantry officer, emphasizing the importance of choosing service over personal gain.
In addition to his address at West Point, Trump recently spoke to graduates in Alabama, where he highlighted their athletic achievements and recognized former head football coach Nick Saban. He described West Point as the “most elite and storied military academy in human history.”
Trump’s speech also included critiques of previous foreign policy initiatives and a commitment to ending critical race theory, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and the participation of men in women’s sports. He vowed to promote a return to merit-based systems and traditional military values.
As the ceremony concluded, Trump left the graduates with a message of pride and encouragement, celebrating their accomplishments and the bright futures ahead of them.
**FAQ**
*What were the key highlights of Trump’s speech at West Point?*
Trump praised the athletic achievements of West Point’s lacrosse and football teams, celebrated the commitment of graduating quarterback Bryson Daily, and emphasized the importance of service and traditional military values.