West Point Military Academy Speeches: A Stark Contrast to the Values Americans Should Always Uphold.
The West Point graduation ceremony served as a striking reminder of the differences in leadership styles that define our political landscape today.
In one corner, we had former Donald Trump, whose speech was filled with egocentric boasts, grievances, and a concerning disregard for the occasion’s gravity. In the other, President Joe Biden delivered a message grounded in unity, honor, and respect, a message not only befitting of the moment, but reflective of the values that bind our nation together.
For those who tuned in, the contrast was impossible to miss. Trump’s address, while attempting to celebrate the graduates, quickly descended into an incoherent diatribe. Rather than recognizing the achievements of the cadets in front of him, he pivoted to self-aggrandizing statements like, “I rebuilt the military... like nobody has ever rebuilt it before,” and bizarrely veered into personal boasts about his IQ. The spectacle he created had more in common with a campaign rally than a military commencement. His disjointed remarks, from mocking George Clooney to disparaging “losers and haters,” felt like a throwback to the Trump we saw on the campaign trail , the Trump who relishes in division, resentment, and personal vanity.
But what stood in stark contrast to Trump's rhetoric was Biden’s West Point address. The president, aware of the deep significance of the event, delivered a speech that was both uplifting and inclusive. He recognized the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of the cadets, saying, “You make our entire nation proud, and that’s not hyperbole. You do.” Biden’s words were not just platitudes; they were a celebration of the values these graduates would soon embody in service to the nation: duty, honor, and country. His message of unity —reminding the cadets of their critical role in the world’s most powerful and honorable fighting force, contrasted sharply with Trump’s self-centered tirades.
Perhaps the most telling moment of the day came in the form of a simple gesture: Biden stood for over an hour, shaking the hand of every single graduate, honoring their individual commitment to service. It was a reminder of the respect that should be shown to those who have dedicated themselves to protecting our freedoms. By contrast, Trump, after delivering his meandering speech, made a point of shaking hands with only a few select cadets, further underlining the gap between these two approaches to leadership.
The absurdity of Trump’s West Point speech cannot be understated. To stand before a group of young men and women who have voluntarily chosen to serve in the military, a decision made during the presidency of a man he routinely criticizes, and then suggest that no one wanted to enlist in the military during the previous administration is a fundamental disrespect to the very people in that room. Trump’s lack of recognition for the cadets’ sacrifice is not just a failure of leadership, it’s a failure of empathy and basic human decency.
In contrast, Biden’s speech offered a hopeful vision. His message wasn’t about tearing down enemies or bragging about past accomplishments. It was about lifting up these cadets, emphasizing the honor and responsibility of military service, and reinforcing the shared ideals that unite Americans, regardless of party or political background.
As a nation, we deserve leadership that honors the values of duty, service, and respect, values that are greater than any individual. Biden's West Point address was a stark reminder of what real presidential leadership looks like: humility, inclusivity, and a genuine recognition of the sacrifices made by those who serve our country.
It is an embarrassment that we have normalized a political discourse where self-aggrandizement and divisiveness overshadow the ideals that truly make America great. We can only hope that, moving forward, our leaders will recognize the importance of these moments and the example they set for the future of this nation
