NEW LONDON, Conn. — During a Wednesday commencement ceremony, President Donald Trump addressed graduating cadets at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, praising their “unbelievable heroism and exceptional selflessness” while warning that greater challenges await them in their military service.
The speech to the class of 2026 marked the first occasion Trump has delivered a graduation address at a military academy while American forces are engaged in active combat operations.
Trump emphasized to the graduates that they would serve 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 said.
The president briefly referenced the ongoing conflict with Iran, now entering its 12th week, highlighting 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 said.
The Republican leader had considered launching additional military action against Iran this week amid stalled diplomatic discussions and concerns about a fragile ceasefire. However, on Monday, Trump indicated he would allow Iran additional time due to “serious negotiations” taking place.
Trump has previously stepped back from threats against Iran, claiming diplomatic progress that has not been publicly confirmed.
Earlier Wednesday, he informed reporters that he was “in no hurry” to reach an agreement ending the conflict, citing political considerations and the upcoming November midterm elections.
The graduation ceremony took place under extreme heat conditions with minimal shade available for attendees waiting for the event to commence.
Medical personnel assisted at least one individual who collapsed from the heat. Family members requested that elderly guests be allowed to sit under shaded tent areas. While cold water bottles were provided, they quickly warmed in the intense temperatures.
Trump, who previously spoke at the academy’s 2017 graduation during his first 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 characterized the graduates as entering service during “an incredible, exciting time for our nation,” describing it as a period of renewed national strength, morale and confidence.
While declaring “America is back,” Trump deviated from the typically nonpartisan nature of military commencement addresses by criticizing previous administrations, claiming the nation had been “run by foolish politicians.”
He advocated for his trade tariff policies and immigration enforcement measures, 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 said. “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 annually speak at military service academies. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to address graduates at the U.S. Air Force Academy on May 28.
Prior to traveling to Connecticut, Trump indicated his message to 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 said while commending the maritime service.
