Trump Announces $175 Billion Anti-Missile Defense System at West Point

President Donald Trump addressed the graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on May 24, marking his first military commencement speech of his second term. The event was notable for Trump's blend of praise and criticism, as he highlighted the achievements of the graduating class while also critiquing past administrations' handling of the military.

Trump commended the more than 1,000 graduates, acknowledging the U.S. military as the greatest fighting force in history. He emphasized the need to eliminate distractions and focus on the military's core mission: defending the nation and defeating its enemies. Trump criticized previous administrations for introducing social projects and political agendas into the military, which he claimed weakened border security and depleted military resources.

A significant portion of Trump's address was dedicated to advising the graduating cadets. He urged them to maintain their faith in America, take risks, and avoid becoming "careerists" and "yes men." Trump stressed the importance of having patriots with courage, vision, and backbone, stating, "This is a time of incredible change, and we do not need an officer corps of careerists and yes men. We need patriots with guts, vision, and backbone."

Trump also discussed the plan to build a nationwide, $175 billion anti-missile defense system, known as the Golden Dome. He stated that the project, which aims to establish three layers of aerial protection across the country, would be completed before he leaves office. This announcement was part of his broader message of strengthening the military's defensive capabilities.

Continuing a presidential tradition, Trump pardoned several cadets who had faced disciplinary actions. He concluded his speech by advising the graduates to "never, ever give up," emphasizing the importance of resilience and determination in their future roles as military officers. Trump then mentioned that he was leaving to address matters involving Russia and China, highlighting the global scope of his administration's concerns.