Pete Hegseth Criticizes DEI, ‘Woke Princeton,’ In West Point Commencement Speech

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used his West Point commencement address to criticize former leaders and accuse them of turning the armed forces into a “woke Princeton” while weakening the American spirit through DEI policies.

“In his first official visit to the U”

MS NOW

Speaking in the rain on Saturday at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York, Hegseth told graduating cadets that past leadership had weakened the military and said, “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,”.

MS NOW

Hegseth also argued that West Point is “special” and “above politics,” and he said the “single dumbest phrase in military history” was “Our diversity is our strength,” adding that “These ideas are what get people killed.”

He referenced President Donald Trump while announcing a reprieve for cadets who committed “minor infractions or violations,” saying they received, “as President Trump might say, ‘a complete and total pardon.’”

In a separate account of the same commencement remarks, The Hill reported that Hegseth told cadets, “The battlefield does not grade on a curve, and you can’t throw your pronouns at the enemy,” as he accused “foolish and feckless leaders” of pushing identity politics.

The Hill also quoted Hegseth saying, “They embraced the DEI craze and tried to introduce diversity and inclusion studies,” and he added that “They hired professors who advocated for anti-American ideologies right here in these halls, but no more.”

New York Post

MS NOW described the speech as Hegseth reassuring graduating cadets they are prepared for war, with his oblique nod to the conflict framed as the graduates “are stepping into the arena at a time when the stakes could not be higher.”

MS NOW further reported that Axios said Trump told a reporter in a phone call he’s “50-50” on reaching a deal with Iran or resuming the war, and it said Trump would hold a conference call with Gulf leaders at 1 p.m. E.T. to discuss the situation with Iran.

As Hegseth spoke, MS NOW said Trump posted on Truth Social a map of the Middle East with Iran painted over with the American flag, with the graphic reading: “United States of the Middle East?”

The Independent reported that Hegseth delivered the speech as the U.S. weighs possible renewed military action against Iran amid ongoing negotiations over a potential peace deal, and it said he referenced the military’s role in Operation Epic Fury.

“bySarah Davis05/23/26 11:59 AM ET Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a commencement address at the U”

The Hill

Hegseth told cadets, “Your soldiers must be ready for anything because the world is only getting more complex,” and he said the U.S. had asked airborne and rapid reaction forces to deploy “to the Middle East,” standing as an “iron shield” to protect American bases and American lives from Iranian proxies.

He added that “This includes American Army units using HIMARS to help sink the Iranian Navy,” and he joked, “I know the Army loves sinking the Navy. That's the only name, Navy, you're currently allowed to sink,”.

MS NOW said the speech came as a prolonged stalemate between the U.S. and Iran reached a crescendo, with President Donald Trump rearranging his Memorial Day weekend schedule to stay at the White House, and it reported Secretary of State Marco Rubio telling reporters there’s been “some progress made” on U.S. demands.

MS NOW also reported that on Friday Hegseth and Trump met in the Oval Office to discuss military options for potentially resuming the bombing of Iran, and it said Trump indicated Iran would be a top priority this weekend.