Thread by @AndrewFeinberg

Watching the video feed of the @WestPoint_USMA graduation ceremony, I’ve spotted at least two of the White House “office of digital strategy” people (who create campaign-like videos of @realDonaldTrump but are paid by taxpayer funds) in attendance with cameras.

For some reason, @realDonaldTrump appeared to briefly inspect an Apache attack helicopter before heading to the lectern as “Hail to the Chief” plays.

As the national anthem plays, @realDonaldTrump is rendering a hand salute to the flag.

As anyone who has a clue about this stuff will tell you, this is improper for anyone dressed in civilian clothing as he is. The proper salute for civilians is with a right hand over the heart

This country-western performance seems a bit of a pander to Lee Greenwood fans, but the @WestPoint_USMA band sounds great.

Some @shure in-ear monitor product placement

.@realDonaldTrump is speaking now.

"Let me say congratulations to the incredible West Point class of 2020. Congratulations, everyone. Have a good time. Enjoy yourselves. Because we are here to celebrate your achievements and great achievements, they are," he says mid-pandemic

"Few words in the English language and few places in history have commanded as much awe & admiration, as West Point," @realDonaldTrump says.

"This premier Military Academy produces only the best of the best. The strongest of the strong, and the bravest of the brave," he adds. Worth noting that there is no evidence that officers from West Point and the other service academies outperform those commissioned via ROTC.

To the 1107 cadets who today become the newest officers in the most exceptional army ever to take the field of battle.
I am here to offer America's salute," @realDonaldTrump says.

The Class of 2020 received their commissions weeks ago.

.@realDonaldTrump now talking about military contributions against "the invisible enemy, the new virus that came to our shores from a distant land called China," and thanking @NationalGuard members who "[ensure] peace, safety and the constitutional rule of law on our streets." 🤔

.@realDonaldTrump now discussing Gen. Matthew Ridgeway's role in integrating the armed forces.

Truman desegregated the military by executive order. It was opposed by much of the military's leadership.

.@realDonaldTrump seems inordinately uncomfortable reading from the teleprompter today. Lots of sniffing.

.@realDonaldTrump says he "hereby absolve[s] all cadets on restriction for minor conduct defenses, and that is effective immediately."

No one has been "on restriction for minor conduct offenses" because the West Point campus was empty until recently due to COVID-19.

"U-liss-see-us S. Grant"

.@realDonaldTrump now talking up Douglas MacArthur again.

Worth noting that Truman relieved MacArthur of command for insubordination.

Now @realDonaldTrump is getting political: "The job of the American soldier is not to rebuild foreign nations. But defend and defend strongly. Our nation from foreign enemies, we are ending the era of endless wars..."

...in its place is a renewed clear eyed focus on defending America's vital interests. It is not the duty of US troops to solve ancient conflicts and faraway lands that many people have never even heard of. We are not the policemen of the world," @realDonaldTrump says.

.@realDonaldTrump now bragging about a "colossal rebuilding of the American armed forces," repeating his oft-told lie about the military being "depleted" when he took office.

.@realDonaldTrump now bragging about ordering strikes against al-Baghdadi and Soleimani.

More and more sniffing. @realDonaldTrump seems sedated this morning.