Trump’s Second Address at Coast Guard Academy

On Wednesday, President Donald J. Trump returned to New London, Connecticut, to deliver his second commencement address to the United States Coast Guard Academy. The event marked his return to this role as commander in chief, where he mixed humor and praise with more serious topics.

“I’m thrilled to become the first president to ever give a second keynote address to this storied institution,” Trump declared to the assembled graduates in their crisp white uniforms. “I am very proud of that honor.”

This statement was not accurate, as previous presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama also spoke twice at the academy.

During his speech, Trump highlighted the Coast Guard’s role in the Iran war, though the cadets’ reactions remained largely subdued with occasional applause.

When Trump last spoke at the academy in 2017, he was facing different challenges during his presidency. Despite the changes over time, Trump’s message remained consistent. In 2017, he told the graduates, “You have to put your head down and fight, fight, fight.” On Wednesday, his message echoed, “Whatever danger comes our way, you will fight, fight, fight.”