Trump Addresses West Point Graduates Amid Protests, Military Changes

President Donald Trump is set to deliver the commencement address at West Point for the second time, amid significant controversy surrounding his administration's efforts to reshape military service academies. Since returning to office, Trump has implemented policies targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, resulting in the disbandment of student clubs at West Point, removal of books, and at least one faculty resignation. These moves, led in part by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have also included the firing of senior officers who promoted DEI and prohibitions on teaching critical race theory. The changes have prompted some students to create underground versions of disbanded affinity clubs and communicate concerns anonymously, reflecting growing dissent within the academies. Trump's visit to West Point will be met with protests both at the academy and across the Hudson River, as demonstrators express alarm over his policies and their perceived threat to democracy. Vice President JD Vance, addressing Naval Academy graduates, echoed the administration's shift toward more cautious military engagement, while avoiding discussion of academic standards.