Trump Declares Start of ‘Golden Age’ in Explosive West Point Address
President Donald Trump was met with thunderous applause during his keynote commencement address at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Saturday.
During the explosive address, Trump declared the beginning of the “Golden Age of America” while spotlighting numerous cadets for their exceptional achievements.
“You are winners, every single one of you,” Trump said during the address.
“You are the first West Point graduates of the Golden Age of America.”
He emphasized a renewed focus for the U.S. military, aligning it with traditional values and its core mission.
“We’re getting rid of the distractions and focusing our military on its core mission: crushing America’s adversaries, killing America’s enemies, and defending our great American flag,” Trump continued.
“The job of the U.S. armed forces is not to host drag shows, to transform foreign cultures, or to spread democracy to everybody around the world at the point of the gun.
The military’s job is to dominate any foe and annihilate any threat to America anywhere, anytime, and anyplace.”
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Trump added his preference for diplomacy, despite the need for military dominance.
“My preference always will be to make peace and seek partnership, even with countries with which our differences may be profound,” he said.
The former president brought several standout graduates to the stage, including a young man who shattered an international record by 13 minutes with his 18-mile march time.
“Where is he? Where is he? Come up here — come up here, Chris!” Trump shouted, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
After Trump encouraged him to speak, the cadet smiled and said, “It’s been a long five years, but I couldn’t have done it without any of these guys.”
Trump also recognized a group of eight cadets who, he said, “took on the challenge of designing their own hypersonic rocket.”
“Oh, we can use you,” Trump said, prompting laughter.
“We’re building them right now! … We are the designer of it, we had it stolen during the Obama administration. You know who stole it? The Russians stole it.”
Toward the end of his speech, Trump referenced the legal battles and investigations he’s faced since leaving office.
“Can you believe it? And now I’m president talking to you,” he said to a round of applause, comparing the scrutiny he’s endured to that of mobster Al Capone.
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