Defense Secretary Addresses West Point Graduates on Military Standards

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered the commencement address at West Point on Saturday. He spoke to graduating cadets at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York. " He stated that officials had introduced diversity and inclusion studies and hired professors who advocated for anti-American ideologies.

"We saw woke and weak leaders trying to make West Point look like woke Princeton, which happens to be my long-lost and lost alma mater," Hegseth said. "They tried to introduce diversity and inclusion studies. " Hegseth said the phrase "our diversity is our strength" was the single dumbest phrase in military history.

He added that such ideas cannot be tolerated in military formations because they get people killed.

Hegseth said standards had been lowered and discipline watered down in the name of political correctness. He stated that statues were removed and historical artwork relocated during what he called a "slow slide." "Diversity is not our strength. Unity is our strength," Hegseth said.

Hegseth said the Army reached 61,500 troops after surpassing recruitment goals four months ahead of schedule. He predicted the force would grow stronger by 2027. He referenced possible renewed military action against Iran and said airborne and rapid reaction forces had deployed to the Middle East.

Hegseth stated that Army units used HIMARS to help sink the Iranian Navy. At the end of the ceremony, a cadet president presented Hegseth with a ceremonial saber as the traditional gift from the Class of 2026.