In an event held at the University of Alabama on Thursday, former President Donald Trump delivered a speech filled with advice for graduating students, humor, and his regular political rhetoric. The speech, loaded with different perceptions of contemporary issues like transgender athletes, was a mix of his characteristic campaign narratives and inspirational quotes directed at the graduates.
Trump, who has a strong base in the conservative state that supported him in previous elections, addressed the students by stating, “You’re the first graduating class of the golden age of America.” Nonetheless, he quickly transitioned into criticizing past leadership, claiming the country was “ripped off” before his presidency and that the subsequent administration by President Joe Biden was a temporary disruption.
Before Trump spoke, University President Stuart Bell emphasized the significance of the ceremony for students’ reflection on their educational journey and future responsibilities. However, Trump’s speech veered towards political discussions, including his impressions of transgender athletes in sports and tech industry leaders who, he humorously claimed, have shifted to support him from their initial dislike.
Despite suggesting the 2020 election was “rigged,” Trump provided ten guiding principles for success, encouraging students to outpace their limits and excel, echoing his career’s early triumphs in hotel development. He urged them, “Now is the time to work harder than you’ve ever worked before. Find your limits and then smash through everything.”
The special event, which was not officially the commencement ceremony, allowed students the choice to attend. Joining Trump was former Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban, who shared personal anecdotes about his visit to the White House during Trump’s term.
During his address, marking a milestone of 100 days in his hypothetical office, Trump praised his immigration policy outcomes but criticized judicial hurdles as obstructions to his goals. Such politically charged speeches are not unusual for Trump, who has previously expressed grievances at other formal venues like the CIA memorial and a Boy Scouts gathering.
The event drew mixed reactions from the University of Alabama community. While students like Emily Appel expressed excitement over Trump’s appearance, others, such as Aidan Meyers, a biology student, voiced disappointment at the university’s decision to host Trump, citing his controversial stance toward academia.
In parallel, a counter-rally organized by the College Democrats took place nearby, featuring speeches from Beto O’Rourke and former Senator Doug Jones. They encouraged attendees to act against what they see as Trump’s divisive politics and emphasize the event as part of a larger movement for democratic engagement.
The event also received criticism from the Alabama NAACP, highlighting concerns about Trump’s policies’ impact on students, especially those from minority communities. Following his Alabama visit, Trump planned to spend the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida before delivering another commencement speech at West Point later in the month.