US President Donald Trump, in a campaign-style commencement speech at West Point, criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the military and claimed credit for rebuilding the armed forces.

Wearing a "Make America Great Again" cap, Trump slammed programs like critical race theory and transgender support as "ideological experiments" that weakened military readiness. He said his administration had eliminated these practices, increased recruiting, and refocused the military on strength and fighting, Reuters reported..

He also denounced decades of US overseas actions and chastised NATO and other allies for plundering American resources. Cadets' applause was varied, and officers avoided political comments.

West Point professor Graham Parsons resigned in protest, accusing the academy of promoting political indoctrination under Trump's influence, according to Reuters.