Donald Trump Pardons ‘Century Men’ During West Point Commencement Speech [WATCH]

President Donald Trump returned to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Saturday to deliver the 2025 commencement address, marking his second time speaking to graduating cadets at the historic institution following his 2020 address.

Standing before a crowd of cadets, families, and military leaders, President Trump praised the graduating class for their commitment and excellence.

“Every cadet on the field before me should savor this morning because this is a day that you will never, ever forget,” Trump said at the start of his speech.

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He continued, “In a few moments, you will become graduates of the most elite and storied military academy in human history, and you will become officers in the greatest and most powerful army the world has ever known. And I know because I rebuilt that army, and I rebuilt the military,” prompting strong applause from the crowd.

.@POTUS at West Point: Every cadet on the field before me should savor this morning — because this is a day you will never forget. In a few moments, you will become graduates of the most ELITE and storied military academy in human history. pic.twitter.com/hTkMgBnJkF

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 24, 2025

.@POTUS: “As you receive your commissions as Second Lieutenants, each of you continues down the same hallowed path walked by the titans and legends of U.S. Military lore.” pic.twitter.com/IHjEOq4L9I

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 24, 2025

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During the ceremony, Trump highlighted several cadets for their notable accomplishments.

Among those recognized were four Rhodes Scholars and standout Army Football quarterback Bryson Daily, who has chosen to pursue a military career instead of professional sports.

“At a time when other top college quarterbacks were thinking about going pro, Bryson’s mind was on something else,” Trump said.

“As he told an interviewer earlier this year, ‘I’m focused on my career as an infantry officer.’ That’s what he wants to do. So, Bryson, you did the right thing, and that’s service at its finest.”

Trump invited Daily onto the stage, where the quarterback addressed his classmates briefly.

“Go Army football. Shout out the Hogs, H4. Can’t wait to graduate. Love you guys,” Daily said.

Another cadet recognized was Chris Verdugo, who broke an international record for completing an 18.5-mile march in freezing temperatures in just 2 hours and 30 minutes—13 minutes faster than the previous record.

Verdugo was also brought onto the stage and credited his classmates for his success.

“Couldn’t have done it without any of them,” he said, adding, “Love you guys.”

In a lighthearted moment, President Trump acknowledged the seven “Century Men,” cadets who had received 100 hours of punishment tours for minor infractions.

Continuing a West Point tradition, Trump announced, “So in keeping with tradition, I hereby pardon all cadets on restriction for minor conduct offenses, effective immediately. So you’re all okay,” to cheers from the audience.

Throughout his remarks, Trump emphasized the intellectual and moral caliber of the graduates.

“You have the brightest minds, the bravest hearts, and the noblest souls,” he said.

“I could not be more proud to serve you as your commander-in-chief.”

“The military’s job is to dominate any foe and annihilate any threat to America. West Point cadets don’t just have the brightest minds, you also have the bravest hearts and the noblest souls. I could not be more proud to serve you as your Commander-in-Chief. –President Trump pic.twitter.com/UAAOU0dLkT

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 25, 2025

The ceremony marked another notable moment in the longstanding relationship between the U.S. Military Academy and the presidency.

As the cadets move forward into their military careers, many of them under Trump’s leadership as commander-in-chief, the class of 2025 leaves West Point with both a historic sendoff and a message of gratitude from the nation’s highest office.

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