In a remarkable address to the graduates of the University of Alabama on Thursday, former President Donald Trump captivated the audience for over an hour, intertwining personal anecdotes with motivational advice. The ceremony took place at Coleman Coliseum and was introduced by legendary former Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban.
Trump commenced his speech with heartfelt thanks to key figures in Alabama's landscape. He praised Saban for his outstanding contributions to the university's athletic success, saying, “He’s done such a fantastic job. What a great coach. Let’s bring him back!” He acknowledged UA President Stuart Bell, who is retiring after a decade of service, highlighting Bell's impact on the education of over 100,000 graduates from Alabama.
Continuing his gratitude, Trump searched the crowd for Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, expressing his admiration by stating, “She’s a fantastic… I just took a picture. I said, ‘you’re doing a great job.’” He also recognized Senator Tommy Tuberville, reminiscing about their conversation regarding Tuberville's successful transition from football coach to U.S. Senate candidate.
The former president took time to mention Alabama's U.S. Representatives, including Gary Palmer and Robert Aderholt, along with notable state elected officials. He extended his appreciation to Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, Attorney General Steve Marshall, and Secretary of State Wes Allen, referring to them as “great people.” Trump also acknowledged Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger and University of Alabama Chancellor Sid Trant, before giving a special shout-out to the families of graduates, saying, “They made this wonderful day possible.”
Diving into Alabama's rich sports history, Trump celebrated the "legends" who contributed to the university's football legacy, including Bear Bryant, Joe Namath, and the four Heisman Trophy winners. He also took a moment to congratulate Alabama’s women’s track and field team for their outstanding performance, asserting, “As long as I’m president, we will always protect women’s sports. Men will not play women’s sports. No way.”
Trump shared motivational messages aimed at the graduates, emphasizing the importance of leveraging youth for success. He referenced iconic figures like Steve Jobs and Walt Disney, who achieved remarkable accomplishments at young ages. “Don’t waste your youth. Go out and fight,” he encouraged, pointing to historical leaders such as James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, who made their marks before turning 25.
Transitioning to personal anecdotes, Trump recounted advice from retired golfer Gary Player, who once said, “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” This statement resonated with Trump, as he urged graduates to embrace hard work as a key to success. He also shared a story about real estate developer William Levitt, who reflected on his life, mentioning his “trophy wife” and the regrets of retirement. Trump emphasized the importance of recognizing when to keep moving forward in one's career.
In his final remarks, Trump encouraged the graduates to be original and embrace their uniqueness. He highlighted historical figures like Teddy Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, and Muhammad Ali, stating, “The old-time greats were people who had the confidence to be different.” He concluded with a powerful reminder: “God only created one of you.”
Trump's speech at the University of Alabama graduation was not just a celebration of achievement, but also a call to action for the next generation to embrace their potential and pursue their dreams with determination.
