When people think of Trump, they immediately recall his 'absurd' and 'shocking' remarks.
——I will build a 1,300-mile wall on the Mexican border, and Mexico will pay for it.
——I will halt immigration from countries associated with terrorism!
——I will pull the United States out of the WTO!
Since bursting onto the public scene, Trump has been a media magnet and a frequent target of ridicule. Yet this businessman, widely dismissed as utterly absurd, defied expectations in the 2016 U.S. presidential election by clinching the necessary 270 electoral votes through outperformance in key states, defeating Democratic nominee and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to become the new President of the United States.
Many Americans expressed that while Hillary was not their ideal candidate either, Trump's election was simply too absurd—was the United States doomed??
Remember at a tax reform event in West Virginia on April 5 this year, Trump tossed aside his script, bluntly saying, 'I got bored reading the first paragraph, come on,' and then went off-script to criticize the U.S. immigration system.
Trump's personality development and his path to the presidency are deeply tied to his 'real estate dynasty.'
Trump's grandfather, Friedrich Trump, laid the family's wealth foundation by building hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues tailored for 'gold prospectors.' Ironically, the grandfather of the man who would later enact various immigration restrictions was among the earliest immigrants, moving from his native Germany to New York.
Trump's father, Fred Trump, studied blueprint civil engineering, built his first house two years after graduation, and started a real estate company at age 20. In 1963–1964, he invested $70 million to build an apartment complex on Coney Island—Trump Village. Fred Trump certainly laid a solid financial foundation for Trump's later presidential bid.
Trump was born in 1946. By age three, he was already learning real estate development skills from his father, and by ten, he knew how houses were built.
Thanks to his father's 'encouraging' parenting style, Trump grew up 'very confident' and 'very mischievous.' Yet he was no spoiled brat. At 13, he enrolled in the New York Military Academy, excelled academically, and was promoted to cadet captain in his senior year. He then attended the Ivy League's prestigious University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School.
After graduation, Trump joined his father's company. Bold by nature, once he took the reins, he set two directions:
First, expand outward—the company would not remain regional;
Second, tackle only big projects, as small ones held no interest.
As for why Trump 'loves' being in the media spotlight, even at the cost of becoming a target of criticism, it's said that at his first business press conference, not a single media outlet showed up due to a snowstorm. From then on, conquering the media became a key goal in his business journey. He constantly built his fame, even launching a reality show and organizing 'Miss Universe' pageants, using beauty to boost his profile. He is a businessman well-versed in low-cost marketing, even using his personal life as fodder for hype.
Trump's principle is: Do things in a high-profile way, and be an even more high-profile person.
Such an attitude naturally earned him the title of America's most disliked businessman, but Trump didn't care—in a businessman's eyes, interests always come first. In any case, reporters never again missed one of his press conferences due to minor things like weather.
Most people know that before becoming president, Trump was one of the most prominent real estate developers in the U.S., owning properties in prime locations in New York, New Jersey, Florida, and beyond. What many don't know is that at just 25, he already had the audacity to seize opportunities: when Manhattan real estate prices plunged, he invested heavily. From 1973 to today, average property prices have risen over 6,000%. He later expanded into hotels, restaurants, casinos, ice rinks, and even invested heavily in the United States Football League, joining the ranks of America's wealthy. Even during the severe recession after 1990, when Trump went through four bankruptcies with personal debt reaching $900 million, he bounced back each time. Such perseverance and business acumen, politics aside, command respect.
Trump poses with a building model in 1980. This was not long after he acquired 100 South Central Park, New York.
Beyond sharp business sense, Trump has a strong marketing instinct. He knows that in an age of information overload, merely running one's business isn't enough; one must also know how to 'sell' oneself. Thus, he published his first autobiography, 'The Art of the Deal,' which The New York Times named a bestseller, staying at #1 for 32 weeks. He followed with 'Trump: How to Get Rich' and 'Think Big and Kick Ass,' making Trump a global sensation. Despite being widely unliked, his books' popularity was undeniable. Whether people bought them to genuinely learn or just for the spectacle of a clown, Trump achieved his goal—you did buy them after all.
Trump's father had built barracks and garden apartments for U.S. Navy personnel near major East Coast shipyards during World War II, and Trump himself holds the Navy in high regard.
At the Naval Academy speech on May 25, Trump stood for the full 90 minutes and shook hands with each of the approximately 1,100 graduates of 2018. He told the graduates, 'Four years ago, each of you made the most important decision of your life. You chose a path of hard work, sweat, and sacrifice; you also chose a life of honor, courage, and dedication. You chose to serve your country and defend the dignity of the United States.'
He also encouraged graduates never to give up. He said: "The Navy never gives up, never surrenders, never retreats, never yields. No matter where you are or what mission you undertake, keep only one word in your heart: victory." Trump repeatedly emphasized in his speech that "America is once again being respected." He said, "We are witnessing the reawakening of the American spirit and American might. We have rediscovered our identity, gained strength, and feel proud again. The economy is reaching new heights, and the country is regaining respect."
During the speech, Trump did not counter any subtle digs from Hillary but instead expounded on the Navy's spirit and its importance to the nation.
However, while Trump's speech was inspiring, according to U.S. media reports, it contained some factual errors. For instance, Trump claimed graduates would enjoy 'new equipment' and the 'biggest pay increase in over a decade.' In reality, military pay has risen every year, with at least three years seeing significantly higher increases than this year's 2.6%.
Below is the transcript in Chinese
Thank you. Hello, Naval Academy students—hello. I want to tell everyone—please relax—enjoy this moment, because we are here together to celebrate the graduation of the outstanding Class of 2018. It is a tremendous achievement. Thank you very much. Admiral Carter, thank you for your wonderful introduction and excellent leadership; you have accomplished remarkable things at this renowned institution. Thank you, Captain Chadwick, for your dedication and service. I also want to thank Deputy Secretary Moody, Admiral Richardson, General Walters for joining us today. Thanks as well to Senator Vic, Congressman Wittman, and Representative Valadao.
I want to say, this entire brigade year has been a great year. It's been a fantastic year for you all. I've heard about all of your accomplishments. For the fourth-class midshipmen, this is a very special recognition—you are no longer plebes. To all the outstanding faculty and staff, the families who support the students, and most importantly, the parents, grandparents, and other family members who have lifted our graduates to this joyous moment, today is a huge achievement for you as well. Without you, they could never have achieved this success. I want to thank the midshipmen and your families. Our nation extends its deepest gratitude to you. You have done an absolutely outstanding job. Thank you very much.
Finally, to the ladies and gentlemen about to be commissioned as ensigns in the Navy and second lieutenants in the Marine Corps, let me say on behalf of the entire country: we are incredibly proud of the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2018. Thank you. Well done.
Congratulations. Four years ago, each of you made the most important decision of your life. You chose the path of hard work, sweat, and sacrifice. You chose the path of honor, courage, and commitment. You chose to serve your country and defend our great American flag. From your first day, you chose the Navy, you chose the blue and gold. You persevered through the grueling six-week Plebe Summer with endurance, resilience, and an unyielding spirit.
Then those of you who remained came back and faced their real test. You were developed morally, mentally, and physically. You immersed yourselves in military tactics, seamanship, navigation, ethics, and engineering. When hard work alone wasn't enough, like your predecessors, you collected coins and sought help from the almighty Tecumseh. Well, maybe not entirely almighty. Others toiled in McGarvey's and the Fleet Reserve Club to atone for past mistakes. Therefore, by tradition today, I hereby pardon all midshipmen on restriction for minor offenses.
That sounds like a lot of people. The Admiral will clearly define the meaning of clemency, so please be generous, Admiral. Sir, this is an outstanding group. I hear this class led Navy athletes to the highest winning percentage in 172 years of history. Think about that. That includes competing in the Army-Navy Star Series for the fourth consecutive year—a remarkable athletic achievement. Because you care about every game against Army, and according to the record, this year Navy beat Army 19 times. I'm not even mentioning who won the football game. I won't bring it up again; I refuse. But it truly was a great achievement.
Let me guess—you're not tired of winning yet. Winning feels great, doesn't it? Winning is a wonderful feeling. Nothing beats winning; you have to win. In every endeavor, the Class of 2018 has shown its iron will and proven its strength. You've earned your place in the ancient lineage of sailors and crewmen, captains and commanders, warriors and seamen, and Marines. You yearn for adventure. Hello, guys, back to that state. You chase new discoveries, and you never flinch in the eye of the storm. America is in your heart. The ocean is in your soul. Salt water runs through your veins. You live by the Navy's ultimate creed. The word 'impossible' doesn't exist, because the Navy never gives up.
You don't give up. You don't yield. You don't retreat. You never surrender. Wherever you go, wherever you work, whatever your mission brings, you only need to remember one word: victory. That's why you're here. Victory. A very important word. You are now the leaders of the most powerful and most righteous force on the planet—the United States military. And I can tell you, we are once again respected around the world.
A lot has happened. We are once again respected. Over the past four years, you have walked the same path as the Navy's greatest legends—the heroes of Midway, the Coral Sea, and Manila Bay. Here in Annapolis, a glorious past surrounds you, and the stories of great heroes are all around you.
One of those heroes, found in the pages of an old yearbook, is Bruce Wallace. He is famous. Bruce was from Nevada and was a member of the Naval Academy Class of 1929. On the back of his Lucky Bag photo, his classmates wrote that he spent most of his time teaching eastern city slickers the correct pronunciation of Nevada. To win the national election, I had to learn that too. It's a great place.
He considered learning an unnecessary evil, and people remembered him through three cruises and four years of service. He left behind a trail of broken hearts stretching across the full length of two coastlines, radiating for miles. In other words, in many ways he was just like you. Just like you. Not much difference. Over a decade after graduation, Lieutenant Wallace found himself at war.
Seventy-five summers ago, he was commanding Bomber Squadron 102 in the South Pacific during the Solomon Islands campaign. It was a brutal battle. His only brother had already been killed on the Bataan Death March. On July 6, Bruce volunteered to destroy a key enemy base. It was a tough moment, a tough situation. He knew full well he might never return. He knew he would die. But he also knew his daring action could prevent a surprise attack on the main U.S. forces.
So his plane took off alone, on a 700-mile journey. Bruce flew through the dark toward his target—a tiny speck in the vast ocean. He braved relentless anti-aircraft fire and an enemy aircraft squadron, unseen until then, and single-handedly destroyed the massive base, including multiple fortifications and a vital communication system. In that final act of bravery, Bruce was struck by the blast of his own bomb and perished in a remote lagoon far from here. His life ended, but his legacy lives on.
Many of you have seen his old room in Bancroft Hall and the Congressional Medal of Honor awarded in his memory—our highest honor. Some of you here will follow his path to Pensacola to earn your own wings. You might even take them to the legendary fighter training school in Bruce's beloved home state of Nevada, where he is known as an 'ace.' There, you'll have the privilege of taking off from Voorhees Field and remembering this hero who fought and died for his country, saving so many lives with his courage.
Every one of you inherits the legacy of the heroes who came before you. This is a living history passed from officer to officer, generation to generation. Each of you will leave your own mark on the Navy, the Marine Corps, the military, and our great nation. Seize today, and you will shape tomorrow.
In a little while, you will begin your service with the most powerful fighting force in the air, on land, and at sea. Together you will embark on the aircraft carrier we just completed—the largest in the world—and you will operate the many submarines we are building, and you will defend against evil.
You will bring comfort to our friends and strike fear into our enemies. Today, among our graduates are 283 naval aviators, 134 submariners, 256 surface warfare officers, 70 restricted line officers, 15 explosive ordnance disposal officers, 366 United States Marines, and 35 incredibly tough, highly conditioned Navy SEALs.
United, you are the tip of the spear, the blade, the shield that protects our great country. You know, there is no mission our pilots cannot accomplish. No hill our Marines cannot take, no bunker our SEALs cannot breach. No waters our Navy cannot enter, no storm our sailors cannot weather. Because you know that together, there is nothing Americans cannot do. Absolutely nothing.
In recent years and even decades, too many have forgotten this truth. They've forgotten that our ancestors defeated an empire, tamed a continent, and vanquished the worst evils in history. In every generation, there have been cynics and critics trying to tear down America. But in recent years, the problem has grown worse. More and more people have used their platforms to disparage America's great heritage, challenge American sovereignty, and weaken American pride.
But we know the truth, we will speak the truth, and we will defend that truth. America is the greatest force for peace, justice, and freedom the world has ever known. In case you haven't noticed, we've gotten a lot stronger lately. We will not apologize for America; we will stand up for America. We will stand up for America's citizens, for America's values, and for the men and women in America's uniforms.
Because we know that a nation must face the future with confidence, rooted in pride in its history. We are the nation that built the Empire State Building and the Golden Gate Bridge in a year. We built the Panama Canal and the Nicaragua Canal.
We climbed mountains, explored the seas, and built vast frontiers. We landed a man on the moon, pioneered cures for diseases, and created timeless works of art that inspire the soul. The entire world, from the farthest skies to the deepest oceans, has witnessed the unstoppable force, skill, and courage of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
Each of us is witnessing a great awakening of the American spirit and American power. Each of us is serving at a truly exciting moment for our nation. We have rediscovered ourselves, and we are proud of it. Our country is thriving, the economy is the strongest in history, and our nation has regained the respect it once enjoyed abroad. Yes, they respect and recognize us again—America is back.
We have begun rebuilding the U.S. military, and we ended the disastrous defense sequestration. The days of leaving no money for the military are over. I believe everyone understands that our great warfighters now have $700 billion in support—the largest amount in history. And if $700 billion becomes $716 billion, even better. We will be stronger than ever, and we will have the most powerful military we've ever had, which is exactly what we need right now.
That means new ships—you all like that, right? We currently have the fewest number of ships since World War I, but soon you'll have 355 beautiful ships. That's a few hundred ships, and you'll spend a lot of time on them. Our existing equipment and ships are still functional, and new resources have been approved—we're proud of that.
You will have new equipment and well-deserved pay raises. The government just raised your pay—the first time in over a decade. We fought for a substantial increase for you, and it was the hardest thing to get.
This week, we passed landmark new legislation—giving our service members more choices and better care. We will take care of our veterans, and we're doing the job well. We passed the VA Mission Act, which everyone said couldn't be done. Before, if a public servant wasn't doing a good job, they couldn't be fired. Now, if they don't do a good job, if they don't take care of our veterans, the veterans will look them in the eye and say, 'Jim, you're fired.' You're fired. Send them packing.
Next year, we will do even more on defense, and we'll make even more commitments to our veterans. We know the best way to prevent war is to be fully prepared for it. But we hope we never have to use these beautiful, powerful new tools. However, when you have them, know how to use them, and no one else knows how to use them the way you do, you're far less likely to need them.
If a fight must come, we will have no choice. We are establishing a Second Fleet in the Atlantic, stronger than before. We are rebuilding our defense industrial base, bringing back American iron, aluminum, and steel. We have just started imposing tariffs on other countries. We've been spending huge amounts of money, and the country has been paying generous tariffs to build warships.
The world has been taking advantage of us for too long. That won't happen anymore. You will see the change. We are building a fleet of the greatest sailors, strengthening the Marine Corps' combat capabilities in every way, optimizing our ships for the deadliest lethality. The enemy should know this. In doing so, we ensure the fact that America is a seafaring nation.
As a seafaring nation, surrounded by oceans, we must always dominate the seas. We will forever dominate the seas. We have shown what Americans can achieve when our confidence is backed by American strength and American resolve.
There's another word that has never been used before, but I'll use it today: it's 'talent.' We have talent, something many other countries lack. In other words, we see possibilities. When America acts like a sailor, it is part of the Marine Corps. Without heroes who refuse to abandon ship, a nation cannot be strong. That's a famous phrase. We even use it as a metaphor in business: when things go wrong, don't abandon ship. Keep fighting; don't abandon ship. And truly, 'Don't abandon ship' is led by you.
Our nation could never have prevailed without the shouts of Admirals Farragut: 'Torpedoes full speed ahead!' You're cheering in the background. You come from every walk of life, but each of you came here for the same reason. You share the same blood, swore the same oath: not for self, but for country. That is your great motto.
With us today are the midshipmen from the Naval Academy Class of 1968. Fifty years ago, they were just like you. They began their service and made America proud. We thank you and salute you.
Every graduate will serve America, through moments of victory and moments of peril. You will face new challenges. Some of them you can imagine how to confront, but sometimes you'll discover new solutions that no one has ever thought of before. Your next assignment is to become another Admiral Nimitz, another Grace Hopper. Future generations will speak of you, tell your stories, and recount your heroism. Many years from now, people will stand where I stand and honor your great service. Because you already know the key to success. You know that as long as you are proud of what you fight for, you cannot fail. You will not fail; you will always succeed.
As long as we are united in the same mission, purpose, and patriotism, we will win, because we are one family, one great nation.
We fight together, struggle together, and pray together. We win together as citizens, as patriots, as Americans. We stand on the shoulders of heroes who have given their blood, tears, and lives for this great country. This is our heritage, our home, our oath. We give our all for the nation, harder than ever before, for our great nation.
So, to the Class of 2018 graduating from the Naval Academy, I want to say something. First, I have to decide at the end of this speech: should I wave goodbye or stay to shake hands with the first 100 graduates? Or I could stay here for hours and shake hands with all 1,100. What will I do—what will I do? I'll stay.
To the Class of 2018, I say: strive for excellence, live for adventure; not only have thoughts, but also dream big dreams; go farther, sail faster, fly higher. Never stop reaching for greatness, never stop your ambition to reach for the stars; have confidence, knowing that you are up to the job. You are the best, the brightest, the toughest in the world. You will make us proud. Glory will be yours, because you are winners, warriors, fighters, champions. You will lead us to victory. Good luck. May God bless America. Thank you!
