Trump: "The days of defending every country are over... America must come first"

"We Will Eliminate Threats to the US and Its Allies by Force"

US President Donald Trump reiterated his "America First" policy, declaring that the United States would no longer take responsibility for the security of other countries. He stated that while he would seek to resolve disagreements with other nations through dialogue, he would not hesitate to use military force if the US were threatened.

Donald Trump US President Yonhap News

On the 24th (local time), during the commencement ceremony at the United States Military Academy at West Point, President Trump said, "The days when our primary concern was defending every country except America are over," adding, "We must put America first, rebuild America, and defend America." He also mentioned trade with other countries, stating, "We are making deals with other nations that nobody even thought possible."

He also emphasized the possibility of using military force against other countries. President Trump said, "I am laser-focused on our core national interests, and I will always prefer to seek reconciliation and cooperation, even with nations with whom we have significant disagreements." However, he added, "If America or our allies are threatened or attacked, our military will eliminate our enemies with overwhelming strength and destructive force."

President Trump also reiterated his intention to ban the military's DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies. He argued that policies promoting gender, racial, and ethnic diversity weaken military combat power and constitute reverse discrimination against white people and men. The United States Military Academy at West Point has also eliminated cadet clubs such as the "Korea-US Relations Seminar," in which Korean and Korean American cadets participated, as well as other clubs involving people of color and women.

Addressing the cadets, President Trump emphasized that they should never give up in life and must always win, saying, "I have been investigated more than America's notorious gang leader Al Capone, and yet here I am, speaking to you as President."