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Yahoo
7 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Fact Check: Trump left West Point graduation early. Here's what we know about rumor he played golf afterward
Claim: Following U.S. President Donald Trump's May 24, 2025, commencement address at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he departed early without honoring a tradition of staying during the diploma ceremony, with a video showing him shortly thereafter golfing on the same day at his Bedminster, New Jersey, club. Rating: What's True: Trump did, during his address, honor the service and sacrifice of graduating cadets, but he left the West Point graduation early, after delivering his speech and prior to the diploma ceremony, breaking a tradition honored each year by recent former U.S. presidents. Those presidents included, for example, Joe Biden, Trump during his first term, Barack Obama and George W. Bush. During Trump's 2025 address, he did not specifically mention not planning to shake hands with the cadets but did say, "I'm going back now to deal with Russia, to deal with China." In an email to Snopes, a White House spokesperson labeled the rumor as "a non-story," then alleged without providing evidence that the president shook "hundreds" of hands prior to his speech. What's Undetermined: It's unclear whether Trump played golf later on the same day, or if a widely shared video of Trump riding in a golf cart shows him playing golf right after his speech, after arriving at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey. The video depicts a driver, whom we have not yet identified, transporting Trump in a golf cart near a helicopter that serves as Marine One. In the clip, Trump is wearing a suit — not golfing clothes — with no golf clubs visible on the rear of the cart. A rumor that circulated online in May 2025 claimed that after U.S. President Donald Trump delivered the commencement address at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in New York, he failed to honor a tradition set by past U.S. presidents of staying for the diploma ceremony. The rumor further claimed someone later recorded a video showing him riding a golf cart after the graduation, implying he left the cadets behind to play golf at his Bedminster, New Jersey, club. For example, a user on X posted (archived) an image from the video with the caption, "Instead of staying to acknowledge & shake the cadets hands at West Point… He lied to them & said 'I need to go deal with China & Russia!' China & Russia being 'Golfing.'" The user also called Trump a "coward and disgrace" to the U.S. Users shared the same video and/or the rumor on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram (archived), Reddit (archived), Threads (archived), TikTok (archived) and X (archived). (@BagdMilkSoWhat/X) While Trump did, during his May 24 address, honor the service and sacrifice of graduating cadets, it's true that he left the West Point graduation early, after delivering his speech and prior to the diploma ceremony, breaking a tradition honored every year by recent former U.S. presidents. Those presidents included, for example, Joe Biden, Trump during his first term, Barack Obama and George W. Bush. During his address, he did not specifically mention not planning to shake hands with the cadets but did say, "I'm going back now to deal with Russia, to deal with China." At the same time, it's unclear as of this writing whether Trump played golf later on the same day, or if a widely shared video of Trump riding in a golf cart shows him playing golf right after his speech, after landing at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey. We have not yet established the time and date when the clip was recorded, depicting a driver, whom we have not yet identified, transporting Trump in a golf cart near a helicopter that serves as Marine One. In the clip, Trump is wearing a suit — not golfing clothes — with no golf clubs visible on the rear of the cart. In other words, it's possible the golf cart simply transported Trump elsewhere on the property and had nothing to do with him playing golf. Snopes contacted the White House by email to ask various questions about this matter, all noted later in this story. In part, a White House spokesperson called the rumor "a non-story," and claimed without yet providing photo or video proof that Trump shook "hundreds" of hands of military leaders and cadets before delivering his graduation speech. The YouTube channels for FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth and West Point - The U.S. Military Academy hosted lengthy videos showing the majority of the May 24 West Point graduation, which took place at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York. Trump's address featured moments directly addressing cadets, as well as political remarks similar to his campaign rallies. During his speech, he singled out academic accomplishments and asked various cadets to stand for recognition. He also called onstage at least three cadets and shook their hands. Trump then closed his speech by telling the crowd, "So I just want to congratulate you all. I'm going back now to deal with Russia, to deal with China." He accepted a framed class photo as a gift from another cadet, shook four hands onstage and then walked out of the venue while clapping and pumping his fist in recognition of the graduates and crowd. After he departed the field at the stadium, organizers began the diploma ceremony. Research for this rumor located a presidential schedule on listing Trump's arrival at West Point at 8:15 a.m. ET, his speech at 10:15 a.m., his departure from West Point at 11:15 a.m. and his arrival to Trump National Golf Club Bedminster at 11:45 a.m. The schedule also displayed a "full lid called" by the White House Press Office at 12:11 p.m., terminology indicating no further planned events on that day for members of the press. Snopes did not yet learn any further details about activities occurring later that day. Regarding the video of the golf cart driver transporting Trump near the helicopter, that clip showed at least one other golf cart behind Trump's cart. A search for further information located a somewhat similar YouTube clip (archived) from April. That video, possibly recorded at Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach in Florida, showed numerous golf carts acting as a presidential motorcade to transport the president from one of his Marine helicopters to another on-site location — also with no golf clubs visible, just like the in-question clip. Another video (archived) posted by an Instagram user claimed to show Trump departing one of his Marine helicopters on May 24, possibly after his West Point address. The clip shows him walking over to a golf cart motorcade similar to the video from April, suggesting the motorcade's purpose was transporting him to another part of the property. In Snopes' email to the White House, we asked about users' claims of Trump not staying to observe the diploma ceremony and shake cadets' hands, as well as inquired about whether the in-question video shows Trump preparing to go golfing, or if it depicts someone simply transporting him elsewhere on the grounds for non-golfing purposes. We also asked about a photo posted (archived) to Trump's Truth Social account on the following morning allegedly showing a white swan biting a "friend" on a golf course, specifically inquiring if the incident occurred on May 24, May 25 or another day, seeing as Trump may have golfed with the pictured person. A White House spokesperson quickly replied to the email but did not specifically address the video or the swan photo. Instead, the person called the rumor about Trump not staying for the diploma ceremony "a non-story" and that, without providing evidence, he "shook hundreds of hands of military leaders and cadets right before his speech." The White House did not yet provide proof of this claim of Trump shaking "hundreds" of hands right before his speech. The statement read, in part: This is a non-story--President Trump shook hundreds of hands of military leaders and cadets right before his speech and has shaken the hands of thousands of military members during his first and second term. He has done more to support military men and women than any president in history which is why military recruitment is soaring under his leadership as Commander in Chief. The President has scheduled important calls with Russia and China to end the wars and ensure lasting peace. Regarding the claim about "soaring" military recruitment, a U.S. Department of Defense article and a story, both published in the weeks before the 2024 election, reported a rise in recruitment — positive news occurring in the final year of Biden's term in office — and that, at the time, all military branches met recruiting goals following years of not achieving those goals. The White House' Facebook and Instagram accounts featured a photo album and an edited video from the graduation, as well as pictures on the White House website (archived), though none of the pictures or brief clips showed Trump shaking "hundreds" of hands prior to his speech. The photo libraries for The Associated Press and Getty Images also contained no media depicting Trump shaking "hundreds" of hands before his address. Snopes will update this article should any evidentiary photos or videos surface following the publishing of this story. Online searches for information about recent past U.S. presidents delivering military commencement addresses and remaining present for diploma ceremonies found evidence going back at least a quarter century. Biden delivered military graduates' diplomas during ceremonies in all four of his years in office. In 2021, he mostly just posed for photos after handing out diplomas, while in 2022, 2023 and 2024 he shook hands. During Trump's first term, he delivered diplomas, shook hands and posed for photos in 2017. In 2018 and 2019, he handed out diplomas and shook hands. Then, in 2020, during a socially distanced ceremony early in the COVID-19 pandemic, he stood and saluted numerous times as speakers called out graduates' names. Evidence showed Obama observing diploma ceremonies with handshakes and posed photos in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, as well as George W. Bush in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Additionally, former Vice President Kamala Harris delivered commencement speeches at military branch graduations in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, including staying to shake hands and observe diploma ceremonies in all four years, as did Vice President JD Vance following his commencement address at the U.S. Naval Academy in May 2025. "Biden Delivers Commencement Address at the US Air Force Academy." YouTube, Fox Business, 1 June 2023, Boghosian, Joyce. "President Bush Delivers Commencement Address at United States Coast Guard Academy." The White House | George W. Bush, 23 May 2007, Branum, Don. "Obama to Class of 2012: Your Spirit Is Essence of America." U.S. Air Force Academy, 23 May 2012, "Donald J. Trump's Public Schedule." Roll Call Goddard, Taegan. "Lid." Political Dictionary, Hewitt, Kimberlee. "President Delivers Commencement Address at the United States Merchant Marine Academy." The White House | George W. Bush, 19 June 2006, Kai, Gin. "File:President Barack Obama Shakes Hands with a Graduate of The ..." Wikimedia Commons, 24 May 2013, Kaplan, Mike. "President's Handshake." U.S. Department of Defense, 2 June 2016, Kim, Seung Min, and Ali Swenson. "Trump's Speech to West Point Graduates Mixes Praise, Politics and Grievances." The Associated Press, 24 May 2025, "LIVE: Trump at West Point Commencement | FOX 4 News." YouTube, FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, 24 May 2025, "LIVE: Kamala Harris Delivers Commencement at US Military Academy West Point." YouTube, Reuters, 27 May 2023, McGhee, Tom. "Bush Preps Cadets on Modern War." The Denver Post, 28 May 2008, Morse, Paul. "President George W. Bush Waves to Family and Friends of a Cadet during Graduation Ceremonies at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD Friday, May 25. WHITE HOUSE PHOTO BY PAUL MORSE." The White House | George W. Bush, 25 May 2001, "Naval Academy Commencement, Diplomas | Video." 22 May 2009, "Obama Gives Coast Guard Commencement." CTPost, 19 May 2011, Olay, Matthew. "Recruitment Rises 12.5% Despite Ongoing Challenges." U.S. Department of Defense, 31 Oct. 2024, "President Biden Delivers Commencement Address at the Coast Guard Academy." YouTube, Yahoo Finance, 19 May 2021, "President Biden Delivers the 2024 Commencement Address at the U.S. Military Academy." YouTube, The Biden White House, 25 May 2024, "President Bush Delivers Graduation Speech at West Point." The White House | George W. Bush, 1 June 2002, "President Bush Speaks at Air Force Academy Graduation." The White House | George W. Bush, 2 June 2004, "President Delivers Commencement Address at Coast Guard." The White House | George W. Bush, 21 May 2003, "President Donald Trump Speech At Coast Guard Academy Commencement (Full) | The New York Times." YouTube, The New York Times, 17 May 2017, "President Obama at West Point Commencement." The White House | President Barack Obama, 22 May 2010, "President Trump Addresses the Army Academy's Class of 2025." YouTube, The White House, 24 May 2025, "President Trump Goes Off-Script at West Point Commencement Speech, Brings Cadets on Stage | News 12." YouTube, News 12, 24 May 2025, "President Trump Shakes the Hand of Every Cadet Graduating from the Air Force Academy." YouTube, Denver7, 30 May 2019, @realmichaelsolakiewicz. "President Donald J Trump Spending the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster!" Instagram, 24 May 2025, Schwarz, Hunter. "Obama Does Some World-Class Mugging for the Camera with Coast Guard Grads." The Washington Post, 20 May 2015, Tierney, Kevin H. "050127-M-0000A-072." U.S. Marine Corps, 27 Jan. 2005, Toropin, Konstantin, et al. "Prep Courses, Policy Tweaks Largely Drove the Military's Recruiting Success in 2024." 7 Feb. 2025, "Trump Gives Commencement Speech at U.S. Naval Academy." YouTube, Washington Post, 25 May 2018, "TRUMP Turns GOLF CART into Makeshift 'PRESIDENTIAL LIMO' after Stepping off MARINE ONE." YouTube, Diario AS, 4 Apr. 2025, "US President Barack Obama Shakes Hands with a Female Cadet at Graduation Ceremonies at the U.S. Military Academy May 28, 2014 in West Point, New York Stock Photo - Alamy." Alamy, 28 May 2014, "USMA Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony." YouTube, West Point - The U.S. Military Academy, 24 May 2025, "Vice President Harris: Commencement Address-US Air Force Academy's 2024 Graduation Ceremony (Entire)." YouTube, The Coalition Radio Network, 2 June 2024, "Vice President JD Vance Addresses the Naval Academy's Class of 2025." YouTube, The White House, 23 May 2025, "Vice President Kamala Harris Delivers Commencement Address to US Naval Academy's Class of 2021." YouTube, Yahoo Finance, 28 May 2021, "Vice President Kamala Harris Delivers Keynote Address at U.S. Coast Guard Academy Commencement." YouTube, FOX 61, 18 May 2022, "WATCH LIVE: President Biden Addresses the United States Naval Academy's Graduating Class of 2022." YouTube, Yahoo Finance, 27 May 2022, "West Point Commencement Address | Video." 13 June 2020,
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
West Point decision to cut ‘duty, honor, country' from mission statement under fire again
EXCLUSIVE: A United States Military Academy mission statement swap from "duty, honor, country" to "Army Values" is coming under fire again — this time by a conservative judicial and government watchdog group who claims the school engaged in a "cover up" scheme when it altered its mission statement in 2024 as part of an effort to advance a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agenda. On March 11, 2024, West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steven Gilland publicly announced that West Point would update its mission and insert the term "Army Values" in lieu of "duty, honor, country." Even so, Gilland stressed that "duty, honor, country" would remain West Point's motto as it has been since 1898. Judicial Watch obtained documents via a Freedom of Information Act request seeking all emails regarding the removal of "duty, honor, country" from the mission statement between officials at West Point. Hegseth Quips '99.9%' Of Dei Initiatives Are Gone From The Military Under Trump's Watch Among the documents Judicial Watch obtained is a document from Gilland detailing mission statement talking points for Founders Day speakers that was sent on March 23, 2024. The memo instructs speakers to "AVOID saying 'removed,' 'replaced,' 'deleted'—just refer to the 'updated mission statement and reinforce that the motto remains unchanged.'" The memo does not explicitly connect the mission statement change to any DEI initiatives. Read On The Fox News App However, Judicial Watch argues that the talking points document it obtained implies DEI was a factor in the mission statement change because the document also contains an FAQ section that appears to downplay the role of DEI, claiming only five to eight students each year complete West Point's Diversity and Inclusion Studies minor. "These records detail how the DEI agenda helped change the mission statement of West Point — and how leadership under the Biden administration tried to cover it up," Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a Thursday statement to Fox News Digital. But in the memo outlining mission statement talking points, Gilland urged speakers to push back against the narrative that the mission statement change was done for political purposes. "EMPHASIZE the actual seven values as some in the audience don't realize Army Values is a defined term and to counter the social media narrative that the Army Values change for political reasons. AVOID comparing DHC to AV—it's not either/or," the mission statement talking points document said. Naval Academy Closing Dei Offices To Align With Trump Executive Orders: Memo "AVOID the perception that the External Review Team was political or made the decision. The Academy selected them. They advised. Academy leadership made Decisions," the document said. The term "Army Values" keeps "duty" and "honor" within its core set of values, but also includes the following: loyalty, respect, selfless service, integrity and personal courage. Gilland said in a statement announcing the change that "country" is reflected in the term "loyalty." "The Army Values include Duty and Honor, and Country is reflected in Loyalty, bearing truth faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit, and other Soldiers," Gilland said in an announcement about the mission statement change. Gilland also said that "duty, honor, country" is "foundational to the United States Military Academy's culture and will always remain our motto." An Army spokesperson directed Fox News Digital to Gilland's original announcement where he wrote: "Our absolute focus on developing leaders of character ready to lead our Army's Soldiers on increasingly lethal battlefields remains unchanged." West Point is one of several U.S. military academies that trains students to become military officers. Meanwhile, West Point's mission statement has been changed nine times in the past century, and the words "duty, honor, country" didn't make it into West Point's mission statement until 1998. As of March 2024, West Point's mission statement is: "To build, educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army Values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and Nation." West Point Disbands Gender-based, Race Clubs In Trump's Dei Sweep West Point's previous mission statement, first adopted in 2005, remained: "To educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army." West Point's superintendent at the time, Lt. Gen. William Lennox, requested the change in 2005 and then-Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Schoomaker approved the change. Meanwhile, Republicans have pushed to incorporate "duty, honor, country" back into the mission statement. For example, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, spearheaded legislation in January to add the words back to the military academy's mission statement. "For centuries, the United States Army has set the global standard for military excellence because its leaders embrace a lifetime of selfless service and embody the values of 'Duty, Honor, Country.' West Point's removal of these core values from its mission statement risks eroding the foundation of American military leadership," Cruz said in a statement in article source: West Point decision to cut 'duty, honor, country' from mission statement under fire again
Fox News
2 days ago
- General
- Fox News
West Point decision to cut ‘duty, honor, country' from mission statement under fire again
EXCLUSIVE: A United States Military Academy mission statement swap from "duty, honor, country" to "Army Values" is coming under fire again — this time by a conservative judicial and government watchdog group who claims the school engaged in a "cover up" scheme when it altered its mission statement in 2024 as part of an effort to advance a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agenda. On March 11, 2024, West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steven Gilland publicly announced that West Point would update its mission and insert the term "Army Values" in lieu of "duty, honor, country." Even so, Gilland stressed that "duty, honor, country" would remain West Point's motto as it has been since 1898. Judicial Watch obtained documents via a Freedom of Information Act request seeking all emails regarding the removal of "duty, honor, country" from the mission statement between officials at West Point. Among the documents Judicial Watch obtained is a document from Gilland detailing mission statement talking points for Founders Day speakers that was sent on March 23, 2024. The memo instructs speakers to "AVOID saying 'removed,' 'replaced,' 'deleted'—just refer to the 'updated mission statement and reinforce that the motto remains unchanged.'" The memo does not explicitly connect the mission statement change to any DEI initiatives. However, Judicial Watch argues that the talking points document it obtained implies DEI was a factor in the mission statement change because the document also contains an FAQ section that appears to downplay the role of DEI, claiming only five to eight students each year complete West Point's Diversity and Inclusion Studies minor. "These records detail how the DEI agenda helped change the mission statement of West Point — and how leadership under the Biden administration tried to cover it up," Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a Thursday statement to Fox News Digital. But in the memo outlining mission statement talking points, Gilland urged speakers to push back against the narrative that the mission statement change was done for political purposes. "EMPHASIZE the actual seven values as some in the audience don't realize Army Values is a defined term and to counter the social media narrative that the Army Values change for political reasons. AVOID comparing DHC to AV—it's not either/or," the mission statement talking points document said. "AVOID the perception that the External Review Team was political or made the decision. The Academy selected them. They advised. Academy leadership made Decisions," the document said. The term "Army Values" keeps "duty" and "honor" within its core set of values, but also includes the following: loyalty, respect, selfless service, integrity and personal courage. Gilland said in a statement announcing the change that "country" is reflected in the term "loyalty." "The Army Values include Duty and Honor, and Country is reflected in Loyalty, bearing truth faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit, and other Soldiers," Gilland said in an announcement about the mission statement change. Gilland also said that "duty, honor, country" is "foundational to the United States Military Academy's culture and will always remain our motto." An Army spokesperson directed Fox News Digital to Gilland's original announcement where he wrote: "Our absolute focus on developing leaders of character ready to lead our Army's Soldiers on increasingly lethal battlefields remains unchanged." West Point is one of several U.S. military academies that trains students to become military officers. Meanwhile, West Point's mission statement has been changed nine times in the past century, and the words "duty, honor, country" didn't make it into West Point's mission statement until 1998. As of March 2024, West Point's mission statement is: "To build, educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army Values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and Nation." West Point's previous mission statement, first adopted in 2005, remained: "To educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army." West Point's superintendent at the time, Lt. Gen. William Lennox, requested the change in 2005 and then-Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Schoomaker approved the change. Meanwhile, Republicans have pushed to incorporate "duty, honor, country" back into the mission statement. For example, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, spearheaded legislation in January to add the words back to the military academy's mission statement. "For centuries, the United States Army has set the global standard for military excellence because its leaders embrace a lifetime of selfless service and embody the values of 'Duty, Honor, Country.' West Point's removal of these core values from its mission statement risks eroding the foundation of American military leadership," Cruz said in a statement in January.
Epoch Times
2 days ago
- General
- Epoch Times
Flags, Futures, and Mental Health: A Week of Unity in Orange County
Commentary Hey Orange County! The week leading up to Memorial Day was a busy and very meaningful one, full of celebration, reflection, and coming together as a community. From cheering on our newest graduates to honoring the heroes who gave everything for our country, it was a time to recognize both the bright future ahead and the sacrifices that made it all possible. I was able to attend two wonderful commencement ceremonies. It was an honor to take part once again in SUNY Orange's 75th Anniversary Commencement Ceremony. For 75 years, SUNY Orange has served as a cornerstone of education, opportunity, and community growth in our county. The members of the SUNY Orange Class of 2025 are great examples of determination and resilience, and they stand ready to make their mark, their positive impact, on the world. Congratulations to the graduates on reaching this important milestone. Your hard work and perseverance have paid off, and I'm confident your futures are bright. I also had the privilege of attending the graduation of the Class of 2025 at West Point—the United States Military Academy. The weather cooperated, and the ceremony was a moving and powerful reminder of the strength, leadership, and commitment that define our Armed Forces. Being among these exceptional young leaders and their families was truly inspiring, and I thank West Point for the honor of being part of such a meaningful day. It was very gratifying to spend some time last week supporting the Orange County Veterans Service Agency to prepare for Memorial Day. With help from the Enlarged City School District of Middletown and their NJROTC, more than 4,000 American flags were placed at the Orange County Veterans Cemetery. Each flag is more than just a symbol; it tells the story of a life dedicated to service and sacrifice. The sea of red, white, and blue that covers the ground stands as a moving tribute to our fallen heroes. Memorial Day itself was filled with remembrance and community connection. I joined ceremonies in the villages of Maybrook and Unionville, where families and veterans gathered to honor those who gave their lives for our nation. I also got the chance to visit the Hudson Valley Honor Flight fundraiser. This incredible organization continues to ensure our veterans receive the recognition and gratitude they deserve. Please consider supporting their mission. You can learn more at As part of our ongoing commitment to the community, my office and I are focused on helping recent graduates take the next step toward meaningful careers. Supporting career growth is just one way we're investing in the future of our community. We're proud to partner with the Orange County Employment and Training Administration and the Department of Human Resources to connect local talent with opportunities in both county government and the private sector. Whether you're just entering the workforce or exploring a new path, these resources are here to support your journey. To learn more: Job Seeker Services: Human Resources: At the same time, we're also making important strides to improve the infrastructure that keeps our county safe and connected. If you're driving through Cornwall, you may notice progress on the Main Street Bridge project. Last week, our dedicated Department of Public Works team reached a major milestone with the installation of the south side parapet wall. Sidewalks and curbs are up next, and we're excited to bring this key infrastructure upgrade closer to completion. And while building for tomorrow, we're equally committed to nurturing the well-being of our residents, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month, when we focus on supporting those with mental wellness challenges. One powerful example of this commitment was the Children's Mental Health Awareness Walk, organized by the passionate team at VoicesUnited4Change. Families, advocates, and neighbors came together to show that no one walks alone in their mental health journey. The event highlighted the strength of our community and the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health, especially for our youth. County employees also held a dress-down day to raise funds to support VoicesUnited4Change. For local mental health resources, please visit: Keep active and stay positive! I hope to see you around the county!
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
‘India Showed The World What Self-Reliance In Warfare Looks Like': John Spencer On Op Sindoor
Last Updated: US defence expert Spencer said Op Sindoor validated India's defence self-reliance, exposed Pakistan's proxy dependency, and dealt a credibility blow to China's weapons export model India has arrived as a self-reliant military power—and Operation Sindoor proved it. That is the verdict of John Spencer, one of the world's foremost experts on modern warfare and Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point's Modern War Institute. In his detailed analysis titled India's Operation Sindoor: A Battlefield Verdict on Chinese Weapons—And India's Victory, Spencer on Thursday described India's military response to the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam as not merely retaliatory, but as a strategic stress test of India's defence ecosystem—and a moment of reckoning for Chinese military exports. Far from a limited tactical operation, Spencer argued, Operation Sindoor marked India's emergence as a sovereign military power capable of fielding, operating, and succeeding with an indigenous arsenal under full-spectrum combat pressure. 'India fought as a sovereign power—wielding precision tools it designed, built, and deployed with unmatched battlefield control," he wrote. 'Pakistan fought as a proxy force, dependent on Chinese hardware that was built for export, not for excellence." INDIA'S ARSENAL: DESIGNED AT HOME, PROVEN UNDER FIRE According to Spencer, the defining feature of India's success in Operation Sindoor was not just military precision—it was total control over the tools of war. A decade of strategic investment under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat had, he wrote, materialised into a self-sufficient, combat-ready arsenal. Among the standout systems: This arsenal, Spencer wrote, reflected a complete and operational indigenous military ecosystem—one that fused technology, autonomy, and battlefield effectiveness. PAKISTAN'S COLLAPSE: A PROXY WAR, NOT A PEER FIGHT Spencer was sharply critical of Pakistan's performance, describing it as a textbook case of strategic overdependence on foreign systems—particularly those manufactured by China for export, not endurance. 'When challenged, these systems failed—exposing the strategic hollowness behind Islamabad's defence posture," he observed. The JF-17 Thunder, designed in China and assembled in Pakistan, was unable to compete with Indian air dominance. Its limited radar and payload capabilities were insufficient against India's electronic warfare systems and layered defences. Pakistan's air defence network—based almost entirely on Chinese systems—also collapsed under pressure: HQ-9 and HQ-16 SAMs, Chinese imitations of Russian S-300 and Buk platforms, failed to intercept incoming missiles or loitering drones. LY-80 and FM-90 short-range and medium-range systems were unable to detect or engage India's low-flying strikes. The CH-4 drones, widely used by Pakistan, were either jammed or destroyed. Spencer noted that Turkish drone operators were reportedly brought in, exposing Pakistan's reliance not only on foreign hardware, but also on overseas expertise to operate it. Even the F-16s, Pakistan's most capable aircraft, were absent from the battlefield due to US-imposed end-user restrictions prohibiting their use against India. Spencer argued this underscored the strategic fragility of nations reliant on conditional imports. The final blow, he wrote, came with the destruction of Pakistan's Saab 2000 AEW&C aircraft, which crippled its aerial command and control. Spencer described it as a 'strategic blinding", adding that Pakistan lost not just equipment, but situational awareness itself. 'By the end of the campaign," he wrote, 'Pakistan had lost key radar stations, its premier AEW&C aircraft, dozens of drones, and its ability to contest Indian airspace." A STRATEGIC SIGNAL—AND A MARKET REACTION Spencer emphasised that Operation Sindoor was more than retaliation—it was a blueprint for 21st-century sovereign warfare. It showed what a country can achieve when it owns, operates, and refines its own systems across the full spectrum of warfare—from radar to response, missiles to ISR. 'India showed the world what self-reliance in modern warfare looks like—and proved that 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' works under fire," he wrote. The strategic signal had tangible consequences. Indian defence stocks surged: Paras Defence & Space rose 49 per cent in May. MTAR Technologies and Data Patterns also posted strong gains. In contrast, Chinese defence giants AVIC, NORINCO, and CETC saw dips in investor confidence, as the battlefield performance of their systems dented export credibility. THE STRATEGIC TAKEAWAY: INDIA HAS ARRIVED Spencer concluded that India not only retaliated, but delivered a strategic message—to adversaries and partners alike. 'This wasn't just retaliation," he wrote. 'It was India's proof-of-concept. A war waged and won on its own terms—with tools of its own making." For India, Operation Sindoor was not just a military success—it was a sovereign assertion of capability, credibility, and control. It proved that India's defence transformation is no longer aspirational. It is operational. Combat-tested. Real. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Atmanirbhar Bharat Indian defence industry Indian military Operation Sindoor Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 29, 2025, 13:44 IST News india 'India Showed The World What Self-Reliance In Warfare Looks Like': John Spencer On Op Sindoor
