Tuberville Introduces Legislation Reaffirming West Point’s Commitment to Meritocracy, Not Woke Politics

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and their colleagues to introduce the Maintaining Academy Culture and Assuring Retention of Tradition, Honor, and Unity of the Republic (MACARTHUR) Act, after the United States Military Academy at West Point decided to remove the phrase "Duty, Honor, Country" from its mission statement. Sens. Tuberville and Cruz's legislation would restore the phrase in the mission statement.

"Over the last four years, the Biden administration has taken our military away from its core mission," said Senator Tuberville. "Joe Biden and Kamala Harris caving to the woke left has weakened our military and made our world less safe. It's time to refocus our military to its core mission so that America remains the strongest fighting force in the world. This starts with our new recruits and military academies. I'm proud to join this fight with Senator Cruz to return our military to its core mission and the ideals of 'Duty, Honor, Country.'"

"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,'" said Senator Cruz. "West Point's removal of these core values from its mission statement risks eroding the foundation of American military leadership. I am proud to introduce the MACARTHUR Act to restore these principles, reaffirm West Point's mission, and emphasize the meritocracy that has shaped American military excellence for generations-ensuring our armed forces remain the most capable, disciplined, and formidable fighting force in the world."

Sens. Tuberville and Cruz were joined by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Rick Scott (R-FL) in introducing the legislation.

Rep. Self led the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

Read the full text of the bill here.

BACKGROUND:

West Point first began using the phrase "Duty, Honor, Country" in 1898. The significance of that phrase gained prominence during General Douglas MacArthur's memorable 1962 speech to the Corps of Cadets, in which MacArthur celebrated "Duty, Honor, Country" as essential virtues for military officers. His speech transformed those three words from an informal motto to a revered creed that would shape West Point's identity.

In 1998, West Point added "Duty, Honor, Country" to its official mission statement:

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; professional growth throughout a career as an officer in the United States Army; and a lifetime of selfless service to the nation.

In March 2024, West Point leadership revised that mission statement, removing "Duty, Honor, Country."

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.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans' Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

###