A lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court by West Point law professor Tim Bakken alleges the U.S. Military Academy is violating the First Amendment by restricting professors’ opinions in the classroom and censoring certain books and courses. The suit, seeking class-action status for West Point’s civilian faculty, claims the academy began scrutinizing faculty speech following a January executive order. According to the lawsuit, West Point has implemented policies that control and suppress faculty speech by requiring approval for public comments, removing content from webpages, and preventing instructors from expressing opinions in the classroom.
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The West Point Association of Graduates has canceled its 2025 Sylvanus Thayer Award ceremony for actor Tom Hanks, a decision announced just weeks before the event. The reason for the cancellation was to allow the academy to focus on its core mission of preparing cadets. While the announcement did not give a specific reason for the cancellation, Hanks has donated to Democrats and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The cancellation aligns with other actions taken by political figures against perceived enemies.
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West Point is reinstating Confederate imagery, including a portrait of Robert E. Lee and his quote, after being removed in 2022 due to a Department of Defense directive. This decision aligns with a broader effort to restore Confederate names and monuments, as championed by the Trump administration, which argues for honoring and learning from history rather than erasing it. While the Army asserts that this complies with federal law, some, like retired Brigadier General Ty Seidule, argue that these symbols contradict the values taught at West Point and question the legality of the restoration, as a congressionally mandated commission recommended the removal of Confederate symbols.
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In a move that is part of a larger effort to restore Confederate symbols, Defense chief Pete Hegseth is reintroducing a controversial painting of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at West Point. The painting, depicting Lee in his Confederate uniform accompanied by a slave, was originally displayed in 1952 during a period of racial segregation. Its reintroduction comes amidst efforts to reinstate Confederate symbols and honor figures who fought to preserve slavery, as was done during the Trump administration. This decision faces potential legal challenges due to existing laws concerning the removal of Confederate names and symbols from military institutions.
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During his West Point commencement speech, President Trump again asserted his belief that stealth fighter jets are invisible, reiterating a claim he’s made since at least 2017. This misconception, despite years as Commander in Chief, highlights his repeated inaccurate statements regarding the capabilities of military aircraft. The president’s comments have prompted questions about whether his statements stem from ignorance or a deliberate disregard for facts, leading to ongoing debate and criticism.
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At West Point’s commencement, President Trump asserted his election victory granted him unrestrained power to govern as he sees fit, echoing similar claims made previously. He lauded the military, taking credit for its strength while simultaneously praising the graduating cadets as the “first West Point graduates of the golden age of America.” Despite numerous court rulings against his administration’s actions, including unlawful deportations, Trump expressed confidence that judges would eventually allow him to continue his policies. His speech also featured attacks on critical race theory, transgender athletes, and diversity initiatives.
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During a West Point commencement address, President Trump digressed into a discussion of “trophy wives,” using real estate developer Bill Levitt’s divorce and remarriage as a cautionary tale. He suggested that such marriages often prove unsuccessful, despite providing temporary happiness. This anecdote is particularly noteworthy given Trump’s own three marriages to significantly younger former models. The president’s comments thus presented a curious juxtaposition of personal experience and unsolicited advice.
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Addressing West Point cadets, President Trump condemned military drag shows and DEI initiatives, framing them as distractions from the military’s core mission of dominating adversaries and defending the nation. He lauded his administration’s efforts to eliminate what he termed “gender ideology” and “critical race theory” from the military, claiming this would usher in a “golden age” for the armed forces. Trump’s speech emphasized a return to traditional military values and a focus on combat readiness, contrasting his approach with what he described as the previous administration’s “absurd ideological experiments.” The remarks were met with near silence from the large audience of cadets and their families.
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First Lieutenant Gabrielle White and Captain Seth Deltenre made history as the first all-female team to compete in the Best Ranger Competition, finishing 14th overall. Their participation marks a significant milestone since the integration of women into the Army Rangers in 2015. The grueling three-day competition involved over 60 miles of travel and numerous challenges, testing the competitors’ physical and mental endurance. Notably, the Army’s usual acknowledgement of such historic firsts was absent this year due to a policy shift under the previous administration.
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The Trump administration’s equity order, ostensibly aimed at dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, has resulted in the effective shutdown of West Point’s engineering society chapters. This action reveals a deeper hostility towards non-white men, rather than a genuine commitment to meritocracy. The claim that this is about merit is simply a smokescreen.
The impact goes far beyond West Point. The potential for similar actions at other colleges and universities is deeply concerning. The loss of these societies represents the loss of valuable networking opportunities and supportive communities for students, particularly those from underrepresented groups. These organizations often serve as vital support systems, fostering lifelong friendships and professional connections.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood