On Thursday, President Trump addressed the University of Alabama’s spring graduating class, heralding them as the first to graduate in what he called “the Golden Age of America,” the New York Post reports. Speaking to the class of 2025, Trump suggested these graduates could become “the greatest generation” in the nation’s history.
“You’ve done a lot of winning. Winning is a good thing to do,” Trump told the audience at the university, which is well-known for its top-tier athletics. “But today I’m also asking you to look forward to something very, very bright and more promising.”
“And it’s going to be an even more promising tomorrow – I promise you that,” the president added, declaring to the graduates, “You are the very first graduating class of America’s Golden Age.”
Reflecting on his first three months back in office, Trump described this period as a turning point for the country.
“100 days, yesterday, 100 days … and we’ve done things that nobody thought were even possible,” Trump said, adding, “You’re graduating at an exciting time for our nation. A period of both extraordinary change and incredible potential.”
“I think you have a chance to be the greatest generation in the history of our country, because we’re turning it around,” Trump continued.
The president was introduced by legendary football coach Nick Saban, who said, “It’s a special moment for me. But I got to be honest with you. I feel like I’m the warm-up band for the Rolling Stones.”
Trump’s speech was a notable event, as it marked the first time in 18 years that the University of Alabama had invited a commencement speaker. The last was businessman James T. Stephens in 2007, whose address criticizing the Iraq War sparked mixed reactions.
Before the ceremony, Trump shared his excitement on Truth Social, noting, “They put all of their nine Graduations into one, so I better do well. These are tremendous people. I won the State by 45 points. No pressure!”
The university described Trump’s appearance as a “special commencement address,” clarifying that it would not replace the individual college ceremonies scheduled for May 2-4, when about 6,700 students, including those from the law school, will officially graduate.