TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — President Donald Trump addressed graduates at the University of Alabama on Thursday, drawing a significant crowd of supporters and protesters. This marks his first commencement speech of his second term, coinciding with the celebration of his administration’s first 100 days. His visit was notably preceded by a major reshuffle of his national security team.
As the president took the stage, he greeted the audience enthusiastically, stating, “What a nice-looking group this is,” and expressed his fondness for Tuscaloosa. The city has been a frequent stop for Trump, who previously garnered 64% of the vote in Alabama during the 2024 election, underscoring his enduring popularity in the region.
Although billed as a commencement address, the speech was part of a special event held ahead of the official graduation ceremonies set to begin Friday. Graduating students had the option to attend, and many arrived in caps and gowns, excited to see the president. Emily Appel, a 22-year-old advertising major from Norcross, Georgia, remarked that Trump’s presence added a special touch to her college experience, emphasizing the honor of hosting the President of the United States.
Nick Saban, the former Alabama football coach, also spoke at the event, sharing anecdotes of his visit to the Oval Office during Trump’s earlier term. Saban described Trump as a gracious host, eliciting nods of agreement from attendees.
However, outside the venue, hundreds demonstrated against Trump, organized by campus Democrats in a rally dubbed “Tide Against Trump.” The event featured former presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke and ex-senator Doug Jones, who criticized Trump’s influence on students and academia.
Aidan Meyers, a junior at the university, expressed disappointment regarding the choice to feature Trump at a graduation-related event, deeming it a betrayal of academic values. He voiced his concerns over Trump’s administration’s stances on science and funding for education.
O’Rourke addressed the demonstrators, urging them to reclaim their voices in the political arena. He described Trump’s emphasis on self-promotion during the graduation event and called for collective efforts to restore democracy. Jones echoed this sentiment, reminding the crowd of their concerns for the nation’s future.
As the debate raged between supporters and detractors, even the Alabama chapter of the NAACP voiced their opposition, criticizing Trump’s policies as detrimental to students, particularly those of color.
Trump’s Alabama visit is part of a two-state trip; he had previously held a rally in Michigan earlier in the week to commemorate his first 100 days in office. Following his stop in Alabama, he was set to travel to Florida for a weekend at Mar-a-Lago and will also deliver the commencement address at the U.S. Military Academy later this month.