Donald Trump Speaks at West Point Graduation 2025, Honors Parkland Hero Peter Wang

Donald Trump Speaks At West Point Graduation 2025, Honors Parkland Hero Peter Wang

Guess who’s back, back again? Donald Trump hit the stage at West Point today like he never left — delivering a characteristically fiery commencement speech to the U.S. Military Academy’s Class of 2025.

Thousands of cadets sat ramrod straight, the kind of discipline you’d expect from future Army officers, as Trump—sounding very much like a man on a mission—took aim at what he called “woke nonsense” and delivered his vision of a leaner, meaner military.

“America needs warriors, not political activists,” he told the crowd, according to The Washington Post, in a speech that felt more campaign rally than cap toss.

And it wasn’t just the usual flag-waving and troop-praising. Trump also took a not-so-subtle jab at diversity initiatives, echoing his administration’s push to roll back DEI programs in federal institutions — the military included.

West Point’s Class of 2025 wasn’t just notable for Trump’s return. It also made room for one incredibly moving tribute.

Peter Wang, the 15-year-old Junior ROTC cadet who died shielding classmates during the 2018 Parkland school shooting, was posthumously recognized as an honorary member of this year’s graduating class. The moment hit hard. CBS News reported that Wang’s family was in attendance, visibly emotional, as his name was read aloud.

The gesture, while symbolic, packed real weight. It reminded everyone in the crowd that courage isn’t just worn in uniform — sometimes, it’s in a teenager’s decision to run toward danger.

The ceremony itself was textbook West Point — all spit-shined boots, dress whites, and perfect marching. But the vibe? Definitely dialed up a notch.

The former president received a standing ovation, but not from every corner. A few stiff claps and some visible squirming hinted at a crowd split between respect for the office and unease with the man in it.

Still, for most cadets, today was about the future — their futures. After four grueling years of physical training, calculus, ethics, and more pushups than most of us do in a decade, they made it.

Tossing their caps sky-high while Apache helicopters buzzed overhead? Classic West Point drama.

Cue the confetti cannons — if West Point had any.