NEW LONDON, Conn. — President Donald Trump delivered a commencement address to U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduates on Wednesday, praising the new officers for demonstrating “unbelievable heroism and exceptional selflessness” while cautioning that greater challenges await them in their military service.
The speech to the class of 2026 marked the first occasion Trump has addressed military academy graduates since deploying American forces in a new conflict.
Trump characterized the graduating cadets as America’s “first defenders” and “first responders.”
“You’ve all been tested. You’ll be tested further and probably at higher levels as your career goes on,” Trump stated during his remarks.
The president briefly referenced the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has entered its 12th week, describing it as evidence of American success in “the hottest country anywhere in the world.”
“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,” Trump commented.
The Republican commander in chief had considered launching additional military strikes against Iran this week as diplomatic discussions appeared stalled and a tenuous ceasefire seemed unstable. However, Trump announced Monday he would allow Iran additional time due to “serious negotiations” taking place.
The president has not provided specific details and has previously stepped back from threats against Iran, claiming progress in discussions that have not been publicly confirmed.
Speaking to reporters earlier Wednesday, Trump indicated he was “in no hurry” to reach an agreement ending the conflict, citing political considerations and the approaching November midterm elections.
The graduation ceremony took place during extremely hot weather conditions with minimal shade available for attendees waiting for the event to commence.
At least one individual needed medical assistance after fainting. Family members requested that elderly guests be allowed to sit under shaded tent areas. Cold water bottles were provided but quickly warmed in the heat.
Trump, who previously spoke at the academy’s 2017 graduation during his initial presidency, expressed pride in becoming the first president to deliver two commencement speeches at the institution.
“We’re going to have to try it maybe a third time, too, to keep that record intact,” Trump said Wednesday.
The president told graduates they were completing their studies during “an incredible, exciting time for our nation,” describing the current period as one of renewed national strength, morale and confidence.
While proclaiming “America is back,” the president moved away from the typically nonpartisan nature of military commencement speeches by criticizing previous administrations, claiming the nation had been “run by foolish politicians.”
Trump highlighted his trade policies and immigration enforcement efforts, stating that “under this administration, we don’t apologize for American power or wealth.”
“What we do really is we want to maximize it. We take advantage of it,” he explained. “We unleash it, and we wield it to pursue our country’s glorious destiny and our beautiful American Dream.”
According to tradition, the president and vice president address one of the military service academies annually. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to speak at the U.S. Air Force Academy commencement on May 28.
Prior to his departure for Connecticut, Trump told reporters his message to the cadets would be, “Just enjoy your life.”
“You know, you don’t really realize how important Coast Guard is until you have a hurricane,” Trump remarked while commending the maritime service.
