TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — Former U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a commencement speech to graduating seniors at the University of Alabama, marking his first graduation address in his second term and coinciding with the celebration of his first 100 days in office.
Speaking at a special, pre-commencement event on campus, Trump told students and their families, “What a nice-looking group this is. I’d rather be in Tuscaloosa than anywhere else.”
His visit followed a major White House announcement that saw Secretary of State Marco Rubio temporarily step in as National Security Advisor, replacing Mike Waltz, who has been appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
Celebratory Atmosphere for Some, Protest for Others
The former president received a warm welcome from many students and their families. “It’s a cherry on top of my undergraduate career,” said Emily Appel, a 22-year-old advertising student from Norcross, Georgia. “No matter who the president is, it’s an honor to have the U.S. President speak at our school.”
Sophie Best, a 21-year-old communications major from Cartersville, Georgia, added, “I think it’s really awesome that we get to experience and make history and be a part of this.”
Trump has a strong political history with Alabama, having drawn massive crowds during past rallies and winning 64% of the state’s vote in the 2024 election.
Also speaking at the event was former Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban, who recalled his 2018 visit to the Oval Office and described Trump as a “gracious host.”
Counter-Demonstration and Criticism
While many attendees celebrated the occasion, the event was not without controversy. A counter-rally organized by College Democrats drew hundreds of protestors to a park several miles away, including high-profile speakers like former U.S. Senator Doug Jones and former presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke.
Labelled the “Tide Against Trump” protest, Jones told the crowd, “You’re here today because you’re scared and worried. You realise this nation’s democracy is teetering.”
O’Rourke criticized Trump for using the graduation as a platform for political messaging. “Trump is trying to make this all about him,” he said. “But the power of people works—even against Donald Trump.”
Student Dissent and Concerns
Some students felt let down by the university’s decision to host Trump. Aidan Meyers, a 21-year-old biology major, said, “I felt betrayed that the university was willing to welcome someone who has undermined academia and used funding as leverage.”
Meyers also noted how Trump’s policies have impacted scientific research, citing a government hiring freeze that led to the cancellation of a National Institutes of Health fellowship he had applied for.
The Alabama chapter of the NAACP also criticized Trump’s appearance, arguing that his policies have disproportionately harmed students of color and higher education institutions.
What’s Next for Trump
Trump’s Alabama visit was part of a brief travel schedule during his second term. Earlier this week, he held a rally in Michigan to mark his 100th day in office. He is expected to spend the upcoming weekend at Mar-a-Lago in Florida and will deliver another graduation speech later this month at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
