WEST POINT – Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered a fiery graduation speech at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Saturday, telling the newly minted leaders that they have the trust of him and President Donald Trump.

He also criticized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), stating it does not belong in the Army and that the most embarrassing expression in recent Army history was “our diversity is our strength.” Minorities made up approximately 40 percent of the original 2026 West Point class.

“Diversity is not our strength,” said Hegseth, a last-minute selection to give the speech. “Unity is our strength. You are the future. You will restore our Army, and I will empower you to do it.”

Joining Hegseth on stage at the commencement at Michie Stadium were Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY-18), a frequent critic of Hegseth and the Trump administration, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, and other military officials. Ryan, a West Point graduate and Iraqi war veteran, passed on taking a shot at Hegseth on this special day on the banks of the Hudson River.

“As a proud West Point graduate and the Academy’s representative in Congress, it’s a tremendous honor to attend graduation and celebrate these amazing young men and women,” Ryan said. “It’s a day that should be solely focused on honoring each of these 998 exceptional new lieutenants and their patriotic commitment to serve our great nation.”

Four years ago, Hegseth told the graduates that they accepted an appointment to West Point to shoulder the burden of military leadership and the dangers of a military career. Now, as they graduate, they will finally be given what they asked for: the opportunity to lead and, in some cases, to fight.

“You’ve proven that you have what it takes to lead our nation’s top 1%, America’s most valued treasure, America’s sons and daughters,” said Hegseth, during his first official visit to West Point. “We’re sending you to lead, we’re sending you to forge warriors, and we’re sending you perhaps, to war,  and you are ready. The world today is at a crossroads, just as it has been for the past 250 years of our great republic. You are stepping into the arena at a time when the stakes could not be higher.”

According to West Point, the incoming class of more than 1,200 candidates was selected from nearly 12,600 applicants. Hegseth finished his speech by telling graduates that he’s proud of them and that he expects to see them out in the field.

“Congratulations to the class of 2026,” Hegseth said. “I look forward to serving with you, serving you, and seeing you on the field. May God bless you, may Almighty God bless the United States Army, and may Almighty God continue to bless this great republic, the United States of America.”