Donald Trump to Address Graduates at University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, August 26, 2025

News Summary

Former President Donald Trump is set to deliver a keynote speech at the University of Alabama’s commencement ceremony, attracting both support and controversy. With over 6,000 graduates in attendance, Trump aims to motivate the class with a message about success regardless of age. This invitation has sparked backlash, leading to a petition and a counter-rally organized by local groups. The university’s history with political speakers adds further layers of complexity to the event. As graduation approaches, conversations about Trump’s legacy and community reactions continue to dominate discussions.

Tuscaloosa, Alabama – In an event that has already stirred significant controversy, former President Donald Trump is set to speak at the University of Alabama’s commencement ceremony on May 1, 2025. This will mark Trump’s third visit to the university, known for his polarizing presence, as he prepares to address over 6,000 graduates during the school’s graduation weekend.

The decision to invite Trump comes amid ongoing scrutiny regarding the appropriateness of political speeches at graduation events. In 2007, Jim Stephens, a former soldier and chairman of EBSCO Industries, sparked a debate when he addressed the controversial topic of the Iraq War during the university’s main graduation ceremony. His comments on the painful realities of war were met with mixed reactions from graduates, some of whom considered booing during his speech. The tension from that event led the university to implement a no-speaker format for subsequent graduation ceremonies for several years.

In contrast, this year’s commencement is set to feature Trump, whose speech is expected to motivate graduates to pursue greatness, emphasizing that age should not limit one’s potential for success. The university’s leadership, including President Stuart Bell, has commended the graduating class for their achievements, linking academic inquiry with the necessity for public service and engagement in societal issues.

This year’s graduating class includes 1,240 degrees being conferred, with students representing a diverse demographic from 22 countries and 42 states. Among the graduates, the oldest is 66 years old and the youngest is 18, with an overall GPA of 3.152 on a 4.0 scale. These statistics highlight the university’s commitment to fostering a diverse and talented student body.

The announcement of Trump’s keynote address has already prompted backlash, evidenced by an online petition gathering over 25,000 signatures calling for the removal of his speaking engagement. In response, a counter-rally titled “Tide Against Trump” is being organized by the state’s NAACP alongside the university’s College Democrats. This rally is set to feature prominent figures, including former Alabama Senator Doug Jones and ex-Congressman Beto O’Rourke, emphasizing a platform for dissent against Trump’s controversial past actions and comments.

Trump’s appearance at the University of Alabama will be particularly notable, as the last sitting U.S. president to speak at the university’s coliseum was Ronald Reagan in 1984. As the graduation date approaches, discussions surrounding Trump’s legacy, his role in contemporary politics, and the reaction of the university community remain a focal point of attention in Tuscaloosa and beyond.

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Additional Resources

• Tuscaloosa News: Summer Commencement 2025
• Wikipedia: Commencement
• Alabama Reflector: Trump to Speak at UA
• Google Search: Donald Trump University of Alabama commencement
• AL.com: What to Know About UA Commencement
• Google Scholar: Donald Trump commencement speeches
• Tuscaloosa News: 2007 Graduation Speaker Tradition
• Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Alabama
• Tuscaloosa News: Spring 2025 Commencement
• Google News: University of Alabama commencement

Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER

The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.