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Donald Trump delivered the commencement address to the 2025 graduating class at West Point on Saturday. Speaking to the 1,002 cadets for nearly an hour, Trump, wearing his signature “Make America Great Again” hat, addressed the crowd. During his speech, he called the U.S. Army the "greatest and most powerful Army the world has ever known." He further claimed responsibility for the Army's strength. “And I know because I rebuilt that army, and I rebuilt the military,” Trump stated. “We rebuilt it like nobody has ever rebuilt it before in my first term.” Trump emphasized his "America First" approach, stating the military's focus would be on "crushing America’s adversaries, killing America’s enemies, and defending our great American flag like it has never been defended before.” Trump's speech, reminiscent of his campaign rallies, highlighted both the graduates' achievements and his own presidency, including his efforts to limit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. West Point has been a focal point of the backlash against DEI, particularly concerning the banning of books and educational programs that the Trump Administration believes promote DEI. In February, multiple clubs listed under "" groups in the club directory were shut down, following Trump’s Jan. 20 titled “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing” and a Jan. 21 Executive Order titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.” A subsequent from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new task force. “I direct the establishment of a multi-functional ‘Restoring America’s Fighting Force’ task force charged with overseeing the Department’s efforts to abolish DEI offices and any vestiges of such offices that subvert meritocracy, perpetuate unconstitutional discrimination, and promote radical ideologies related to systemic racism and gender fluidity,” Hegseth stated. In addition to clubs, West Point has reportedly removed works by diverse authors from its libraries and eliminated discussions of systemic inequities from its classrooms, leading a West Point professor to say: “I am ashamed to be associated with the academy in its current form.” Trump addressed his DEI measures during his West Point commencement speech, saying he has “liberated our troops from divisive and demeaning political training.” “There will be no more critical race theory or transgender for everybody, forced onto our brave men and women in uniform or on anybody else, for that matter, in this country,” Trump said. “And promotions and appointments will not be based on politics or identity. They’ll be based on merit…We’re a merit-based country again.” Trump asserted that his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, had "subjected the armed forces to all manner of social projects," which he claims is no longer the case. The President's speech follows the dismissal of individuals known to support DEI efforts and the reinstatement of standards, requiring the same criteria for both men and women. This change in combat role requirements is anticipated to significantly decrease the number of women in those roles.

A new documentary focusing on elite pilots is set to premiere on May 23. Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds, available on Netflix, offers an inside look at some of the most accomplished U.S. combat pilots as they prepare for high-speed aerial demonstrations across the country. These shows aim to promote a positive image of the U.S. Air Force. The President and First Lady serve as Executive Producers for the documentary. The Thunderbird team consists of over 135 individuals, participating in 65-75 shows annually, spanning 210 days. Interest in joining the team has surged, with applications tripling since 2020. While the Air Force hopes these air shows will inspire recruitment, the Thunderbirds featured in the documentary emphasize that the primary goal is to motivate people to pursue excellence in all areas of their lives. “I always believed that by shaping this team correctly, we could create a culture that inspires people nationwide and beyond to achieve extraordinary things for the right reasons,” says Lieutenant Colonel Justin “Astro” Elliott, the Thunderbirds’ commander, in the documentary. Filmmakers were embedded with the 2023 Thunderbirds, documenting their journey from training in the Nevada desert to performances across the United States. Here's a glimpse into the life lessons these pilots have learned, applicable to various professions and stages of life. How a Thunderbird pilot explains his job to his family The documentary reveals that Elliott, known as “Thunderbird 1,” has just 60 days to prepare his team for 62 air shows—referred to as “45 minutes of total chaos.” Elliott’s childhood dream was to become an Air Force pilot. However, midway through his Air Force career, he was offered the leadership position of the Thunderbirds, an opportunity he felt he couldn't refuse. Beyond his professional life, the filmmakers followed Elliott at home with his two young sons, Declan and Revan. In one scene, his wife Victoria hugs him before work and reminds him, “don’t die,” her primary rule. Despite the inherent risks, Elliott believes, “It’s important for our kids to see us set objectives and go after things in the name of service to something bigger than ourselves.” What keeps Thunderbird pilots going Thunderbird pilot Eric “Miami” Tise discusses the element of risk involved in their profession. “We’re constantly aware of the ‘I’m gonna die’ factor, which keeps our adrenaline high and our focus sharp,” Tise explains. Even ejecting from the aircraft carries significant danger. Tise recounts losing an inch in height after a past ejection. The ejection caused his muscles to shrink and subsequently calcify, leading to muscle knotting in his back. Some Thunderbird pilots overcame significant personal challenges to reach their positions in the sky. Zachary “Zeke” Taylor shares his experience with his father's struggle with alcoholism. He remembers witnessing his father entering rehab on Christmas Day during his freshman year of high school. This moment led Zeke to realize, “I do not want this for myself.” His grandfather became a strong father figure and encouraged him to look toward the right wing of his plane during every flight, envisioning him flying alongside in spirit. Taylor becomes emotional recalling this memory, stating, “Every time I climb up the ladder, I look out on my right wing and say, ‘Hey, grandpa, hang on. It’s gonna be a hell of a ride.’” While greeting children at an air show, Zeke emphasizes, “I’m a trailer park kid from Florida…You can overcome anything in life, and I’m just living proof of that.” Why a fallen Thunderbird’s mom has no regrets The inherent dangers of flying complex formations are a constant concern for the crew. They are reminded of a 1982 accident where four planes crashed at approximately 400 miles per hour, resulting in the deaths of all pilots. The documentary includes poignant interviews with the parents of Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno, who died in 2018 in the most recent fatal Thunderbird accident. The 34-year-old crashed during a training flight after losing consciousness. His parents share that he always aspired to be an Air Force pilot. Reportedly, his first word was "airplane." His father, Joe, plays golf using his son’s clubs to feel connected to him. Del Bagno’s parents express their unwavering support for Cajun's demanding career, knowing he was pursuing his dream. They argue that taking risks is integral to a fulfilling life. As Cajun’s mother, Cindy, states, “If you’re afraid to put yourself out there, to take risks in life, you’re going to end up doing nothing.” ```

Former President Donald Trump has cautioned Apple CEO Tim Cook that a minimum 25% tariff will be imposed on Apple products if iPhones are not manufactured in the United States. In a TruthSocial post on Friday, Trump stated he had previously informed Tim Cook that iPhones sold in the U.S. must be manufactured and built domestically, not in India or elsewhere. Failure to comply would result in a minimum 25% tariff on Apple. Later that Friday, Trump indicated that the tariffs could extend beyond Apple, encompassing Samsung and any other similar product manufacturers to ensure fairness. He anticipated these tariffs potentially taking effect by the end of June. Trump emphasized that building plants in the U.S. would negate tariffs. He claimed an understanding with Tim Cook that Cook would not move production elsewhere but acknowledged Cook's plans to build plants in India. Trump stated that while production in India was acceptable, products sold in the U.S. would be subject to tariffs. Trump previously addressed Apple's overseas manufacturing, particularly in India, during his Middle East tour. He recounted a conversation with Tim Cook where he expressed concerns about Apple investing heavily in India despite their friendship and Apple's significant investment plans in the U.S. In February, Apple pledged to invest over the next four years, including a new Texas factory, a manufacturing academy, and investments in AI and silicon engineering. While Trump hopes Apple will shift more production to the U.S. to avoid tariffs, such a change could take time. A significant portion of iPhones are assembled in China, using components. Apple announced in early May that they were , as tariffs between China and the U.S. were in a high stalemate. , after both parties announced a 90-day pause on most tariffs. Cook has stated that most phones will be made in India in the coming months, while other products like iPads and Apple Watches will primarily be manufactured in Vietnam. Shortly before Trump's tariff threat on Friday, announced plans to proceed with its $1.5 billion component plant near Chennai, India. While Apple has been transitioning manufacturing from China to India for years, this move could become more significant. The tech giant estimates that around could be added in the current quarter as a result of Trump’s tariffs, despite Trump’s move to . If iPhones were made in the U.S., would consumers feel the impact? The potential for increased retail prices has long been a central concern in discussions about producing iPhones in the U.S. In response to Trump's tariff threat, Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives suggested that if iPhone production moved to the U.S., the product's cost could rise to $3,500, significantly impacting consumers. ```

Throughout history, disregarding economic expertise in favor of ideology, intuition, and radical economic changes has consistently led to negative outcomes.

While Ramaphosa initially garnered some support after his difficult visit to the White House, many still view him as representative of questionable leadership.

The warning signs were present, and the potential for violence was clear. Tragically, two young lives have been lost. Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, a young couple, were killed as they left a Young Diplomats event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night. They had plans to get engaged in Jerusalem the following week. As Elias Rodriguez, the suspect charged with first-degree murder and other offenses, was apprehended, he shouted a phrase that has been frequently heard across America over the past year and a half. This chant has appeared not only at political gatherings but also outside synagogues, schools, hospitals, and cultural institutions that share a connection to the Jewish community. The suspect's alleged involvement with various radical causes is not surprising. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has linked Rodriguez, a Chicago resident, to a manifesto titled “Escalate For Gaza, Bring The War Home” with a high degree of confidence. This confirms suspicions that the violence was targeted antisemitism, not random. It was an attack against all Jewish Americans, not just the D.C. Jewish community, and indeed all Americans. The tragic aspect is that this type of murderous incident seemed inevitable. The data clearly shows this. Last year saw the highest number of antisemitic incidents since the ADL began tracking them over four decades ago. There were 9,354 antisemitic incidents across the United States, a 5% increase from the record-setting year of 2023. This includes a 21% rise in violent assaults, representing an 893% increase over the past decade. Just six weeks prior, the home of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was targeted while his family slept after celebrating the first Passover seder. The suspect then called 911, referred to Shapiro using an antisemitic slur, and blamed him for Palestinian deaths in the Israel-Hamas war. The alleged perpetrator reportedly told authorities that he harbored "hatred" for Shapiro and would have attacked him with a hammer if given the opportunity. Six months earlier, the FBI arrested a man from Gainesville, Fla., after a traffic stop revealed multiple firearms in his rideshare vehicle. Authorities believe he intended to travel to the south Florida offices of AIPAC, a pro-Israel advocacy group, with the intent of harming people, possibly in a suicide attack. That same week, FBI agents in Fairfax, Va., arrested an Egyptian citizen and George Mason University student. According to the affidavit, Hassan operated several pro-ISIS and Al Qaeda accounts that promoted violence against Jews. He was reportedly planning a mass casualty attack at the Israeli consulate in New York City. Hardly a day goes by without witnessing antisemitism. Jewish children are harassed in public spaces, students are intimidated on college campuses, and Jews are harassed while walking to synagogue. Jewish businesses and homes are vandalized with symbols, slurs, or political slogans. Jewish people are relentlessly attacked and mocked on social media. The country faces an antisemitism crisis. This age-old hatred exists across the political spectrum, thrives in social media, and is fueled by those who excuse it as merely “anti-Zionism.” They dismiss concerns as attempts to serve other agendas and contort themselves to defend free speech, even when it incites violence, antisemitism, and harassment. This has consequences. When antisemitic rhetoric becomes commonplace, tolerated, or amplified, it creates an environment where violence against Jews is not only probable but inevitable. When society permits false accusations of genocide against the Jewish state, when prominent figures dismiss antisemitism or encourage unrest as youthful expression, and when the public conflates opposition to Hamas with anti-Palestinian sentiment, there are consequences. Social media platforms also warrant increased scrutiny. Following the attack against Jewish sports fans in Amsterdam last November, Hasan Piker, a popular Twitch streamer, appeared to downplay the incident. Earlier this month, the rapper Kanye ‘Ye’ West streamed a song called “Heil Hitler” and promoted it on X, where it remained accessible. In these times, the Jewish community needs allies. Where are the voices of those who claim to fight all forms of hatred? Why do those who speak out against other forms of bigotry remain silent when Jews are targeted? This silence is deafening. Stop excusing it. Stop ignoring it. This attack must serve as a wake-up call for the nation to address the rising tide of hate. This moment demands moral clarity. All Americans, regardless of political affiliation, must condemn antisemitism without reservation. Leaders in government, academia, business, and civic life must take concrete action against hate. Each individual must speak out against antisemitism in all its forms. Every unchallenged antisemitic statement, every double standard applied to Jews and the Jewish state, and every instance of minimizing Jewish pain contribute to an environment where such violence becomes possible. Yaron and Sarah deserved better. They deserved to live and celebrate their engagement. They deserved a future. Instead, they became victims of the oldest hatred. We owe it to their memory to prevent further loss of life due to antisemitism. We owe it to every Jew to create a society where attending a Jewish event does not make them a target. The time for action is now. The stakes are high. ```