WEST POINT, NY – As former President Donald Trump delivered the 2024 commencement address at the United States Military Academy on Saturday, hundreds of demonstrators gathered by land and water to protest his presence and deliver a strong message about the importance of defending democracy.
Wearing a MAGA cap, Trump addressed an audience of roughly 1,000 graduating cadets at Michie Stadium, while protesters stood outside the academy’s entrances and across the Hudson River at Garrison Landing. The event, marked by signs, chants, banners, and a coordinated flotilla, was both a show of resistance and a symbol of civic engagement during a politically charged holiday weekend.
Protesters Arrive Early, Stand Their Ground
Demonstrations began before dawn, with more than 100 protesters assembling at Thayer Gate as early as 7 a.m., three hours before Trump’s scheduled speech. Holding signs that read “Go Army – Defend Democracy” and “No Kings, Not Then, Not Now,” protesters called on the public and elected leaders to uphold constitutional values and resist authoritarianism.
A smaller group took up position at Stony Lonesome Gate, another key entrance to the academy, where families waited in line to enter the grounds for the ceremony. Reactions from attendees were mixed—some nodded and smiled, offering thumbs up in support, while others voiced their displeasure, responding with middle fingers and verbal abuse.
Despite the tension, the protest remained peaceful and focused, with demonstrators determined to maintain a presence that reflected firm opposition without confrontation.
Political Voices Join the Protest
Among those attending the protest was Michael Sussman, a Democratic candidate for Orange County executive and longtime civil rights attorney. In a public statement posted to Facebook, Sussman said the protest was about more than partisan politics.
“The message was simple: No kings—then or now. On Memorial Day weekend, I yearn for a peace-making nation which prevents the tragic loss of life we see all around us.”
Sussman noted that many families attending the commencement expressed quiet solidarity, reaffirming that not all support for the demonstration was visible or vocal.
Hudson River Flotilla Recreates 2020 Scene
While the protest on land was powerful, the scene on the Hudson River was equally striking. The historic sloop Clearwater, a symbol of environmental and social activism, sailed continuously near Garrison Landing, directly across from West Point.
It was joined by approximately 20 kayakers, who carried American flags and protest placards, making a visual statement from the water. Adding to the spectacle was a large sailboat displaying a massive banner featuring an image of Trump and the word “UNFIT” in bold, capital letters. This banner mirrored similar demonstrations that occurred during Trump’s 2020 appearance at West Point, held amid national unrest following the murder of George Floyd.
The peaceful flotilla reminded onlookers of the ongoing struggle for justice and the role of civil action in holding leaders accountable.
Engaging the Community with a Call to Action
At Garrison Landing, a spirited crowd gathered to support the maritime protest and engage in civic discourse. Homemade signs and chants filled the air, while volunteers at an information table distributed badges that read: “Resist – If not you, who? If not now, when?”
The crowd was diverse—veterans, students, retired teachers, and local activists all stood together in solidarity. Many emphasized that their presence wasn’t about opposition to the military or the graduates, but about the need for moral leadership and a recommitment to democratic ideals.
“We support the cadets and their service,” said one demonstrator. “We’re here to protect the democracy they’re swearing an oath to defend.”
Context and Historic Resonance
Trump’s appearance at the military academy drew particular scrutiny not only because of his political prominence but also because of the symbolic importance of West Point itself. As a cornerstone institution for American military leadership, West Point represents duty, honor, and country—values that many protesters believe are in conflict with Trump’s rhetoric and record.
His 2020 address came at a time of national reckoning with racial injustice. Then, he told cadets to honor those who fought in the Civil War to “extinguish the evil of slavery.” Critics have since pointed to the irony of that message in light of his administration’s record and divisive language.
In 2024, amid renewed debate about the direction of U.S. leadership and the future of democratic norms, the protests reflected lingering fears about erosion of institutional integrity and the normalization of political extremism.
Peaceful But Powerful
Despite rain showers and a chilly breeze, protesters stood firm throughout the morning, unfurling banners, waving flags, and chanting messages that resonated across the riverbank. No arrests or major disturbances were reported, and police maintained a measured and non-confrontational presence.
Organizers described the event as a success in terms of turnout and message delivery.
“We came here today to say that democracy still matters. That facts still matter. That decency still matters,” said one organizer. “And we believe West Point should reflect those values, not provide a stage for undermining them.”
A Message That Echoes Beyond the Gates
While the cadets of the United States Military Academy at West Point turned a page in their lives with a prestigious commencement, those gathered beyond the gates sought to remind them—and the nation—of the weight and responsibility that come with service to a democracy.
As one protester wrote on their sign:
“Defending the Constitution doesn’t end with graduation—it begins there.”
In an era defined by deep political divides and questions about democratic stability, the peaceful demonstration at West Point was more than a protest. It was a reflection of civic responsibility, a call to conscience, and a reminder that freedom is not guaranteed—it is safeguarded through action.
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