President Donald Trump returned to New London, Connecticut, on Wednesday to give a commencement address at the United States Coast Guard Academy. This marked his second time addressing the academy as president.
Trump remarked, “I’m thrilled to become the first president to ever give a second keynote address to this storied institution,” addressing a group of cadets in their sharp white uniforms. However, he was mistaken, as Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama have all given two addresses at the academy.
The president praised the Coast Guard’s role in the Iran conflict. Cadets responded with limited applause, signaling a subdued reception compared to his previous address in 2017. At that time, Trump encouraged resilience, stating, “You have to put your head down and fight, fight, fight.” He echoed this sentiment during his recent speech, asserting, “Whatever danger comes our way, you will fight, fight, fight.”
In both addresses, Trump highlighted the challenges faced and urged the graduating cadets to remain steadfast in their duties.