News Summary
President Donald Trump delivered a divisive commencement address at the University of Alabama, where he celebrated his first 100 days in office and commented on various policies. The event, attended by 6,000 graduates, sparked protests and mixed reactions due to Trump’s remarks on controversy, media, and critique of academia. University President Stuart Bell emphasized the day’s significance amid a charged atmosphere, while Trump’s humor and comments on social issues drew criticism. Ultimately, the ceremony reflected a divided political climate surrounding education and student experiences.
Birmingham, Alabama
President Donald Trump delivered a controversial commencement address at the University of Alabama on May 1, 2025, marking the first time a sitting president has spoken at the institution’s graduation ceremony. The event drew approximately 6,000 graduates from 38 countries, 48 states, and 65 counties in Alabama, and was characterized by a tone that many found lacking in solemnity.
Trump’s remarks during the ceremony included cautioning graduates against adopting a victim mentality and humorously alluded to his own controversial reputation by saying he did not burst into flames while speaking. He celebrated the class of 2025, urging them to work harder than they ever have before. Additionally, he described the commencement as a celebration of his first 100 days in office, dubbing the period a “Golden Age of America.”
During his address, Trump boasted about his administration’s achievements, highlighting successes in immigration policy and a decrease in grocery and gas prices. He also took the opportunity to voice his grievances regarding media coverage and reiterated unproven claims about the 2020 election being “rigged.”
The address came amid protests outside the university, where demonstrators, including a counter-rally led by Beto O’Rourke, expressed concerns about Trump’s criticisms of academia and policies perceived as harmful to students, especially students of color. Graduating senior Deja Williams chose to forego the ceremony in anticipation of large crowds and dissenting views among attendees.
University President Stuart Bell expressed pride in the graduates and emphasized the significance of the commencement ceremony, which also served as a farewell to him after a decade in office. He encouraged graduates to maintain their connection with the university and acknowledged their contributions during his tenure.
The atmosphere of the event was further charged with moments that were interpreted as mocking, such as Trump’s impression of a female weightlifter aimed at criticizing the participation of transgender women in sports. This moment was one of several throughout the address that critics have described as lacking respect for the occasion.
Former Alabama football coach Nick Saban also spoke, highlighting Trump’s graciousness during a previous meeting at the Oval Office and mentioning the honor of sharing the stage during such a pivotal event in the graduates’ lives.
In summary, while the commencement address celebrated the achievements of the graduates and included moments of traditional congratulation and encouragement, it was overshadowed by a tone and content that sparked controversy and protest. The mixed reactions reflect the divided political climate and ongoing debates surrounding many of the issues discussed during the ceremony.
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Additional Resources
- ABC3340: Students React to the President’s Speech
- Tuscaloosa News: University of Alabama Holds Commencement Ceremony
- Washington Post: Trump’s First 100 Days
- New York Times: Trump’s Alabama Commencement Speech
- The Hill: Trump Takes 100-Day Victory Lap at Alabama Commencement
- Wikipedia: Commencement
- Google Search: Trump University of Alabama Commencement 2025
- Google Scholar: Trump Commencement Speech 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Graduation
- Google News: Trump Address Alabama Commencement
