NEW LONDON, Conn. – Recently, President Donald Trump addressed the graduates of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, praising their “unbelievable heroism and exceptional selflessness.” He highlighted that as they begin their military careers, they will face even more challenges ahead. This ceremony marked Trump’s first time giving a commencement speech at a military academy since the U.S. entered a new conflict.
Trump emphasized the importance of the cadets, describing them as America’s “first defenders” and “first responders.” He remarked, “You’ve all been tested. You’ll be tested further and probably at higher levels as your career goes on.” This statement serves to remind the graduates of the significant responsibilities they will shoulder as members of the military.
During his speech, Trump briefly mentioned the ongoing war with Iran, which had entered its twelfth week. He noted that the outcome of the conflict could be nearing a turning point, stating, “The only question is, do we go ahead and finish it up or are they going to be signing a document? Let’s see what happens.” This indicates the complexities and uncertainties of international relations faced by military personnel.
The president had recently threatened to escalate military action against Iran, but he later indicated that negotiations were still ongoing and he was willing to wait. He mentioned that he was “in no hurry” to finalize a deal, likely due to the approaching midterm elections in November.
The commencement ceremony took place on a particularly hot day, with limited shade available for the attendees. Some individuals required medical assistance due to the heat, prompting concerns about the comfort of those present. Despite the distribution of chilled water bottles, many quickly warmed up in the heat.
Trump, who had previously spoken at the academy’s graduation in 2017, expressed pride in being the first president to deliver two commencement addresses at the school. He humorously suggested he might return for a third time to maintain his record.
He described the current moment as an “incredible, exciting time for our nation,” highlighting a resurgence in national strength and morale. Trump declared, “America is back,” shifting the focus of his speech to a critique of past administrations, suggesting that the country had been poorly managed.
Trump also promoted his administration’s policies on tariffs and immigration, stating that they were aimed at maximizing America’s power and wealth. He expressed a desire to “unleash” American potential to pursue the nation’s “glorious destiny.”
The president and vice president traditionally address graduates at military service academies each year. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to give the commencement speech at the U.S. Air Force Academy on May 28.
Before traveling to Connecticut, Trump told reporters that he hoped to convey a message of enjoyment and fulfillment to the cadets. He remarked, “You know, you don’t really realize how important Coast Guard is until you have a hurricane,” acknowledging the vital role of the Coast Guard in times of crisis.
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Price reported from Washington.
