NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) — President Donald Trump told the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s graduates on Wednesday that they show “unbelievable heroism and exceptional selflessness” but that the cadets will "be tested further” as they embark on their military careers.
Trump's remarks to the class of 2026 were the first time he has given a commencement address at one of the nation’s military academies after sending U.S. troops to fight a new war.
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President Donald Trump arrives for the commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
President Donald Trump speaks during the commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in New London, Conn., Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
U.S. Coast Guard Academy Cadets endure the heat as President Donald Trump speaks during the commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in New London, Conn., Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
President Donald Trump arrives for the commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in New London, Conn., Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
President Donald Trump arrives for the commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in New London, Conn., Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
He told the cadets that they will be America's “first defenders” and “first responders.”
“You’ve all been tested. You’ll be tested further and probably at higher levels as your career goes on,” Trump said.
During his address, Trump quickly touched on the war with Iran, now in its 12th week, as a sign of U.S. success from “the hottest country anywhere in the world.”
“The only question is, do we go ahead and finish it up or are they going to be signing a document? Let’s see what happens,” Trump said.
The Republican president had threatened to launch renewed strikes on Iran this week as talks with Tehran seemed to have stalled and a fragile ceasefire appeared to be teetering. But Trump on Monday said he was giving Iran a few more days because “serious negotiations” were underway.
He has not offered details and has in the past backed away from following through on threats to Iran, citing breakthroughs in talks that have not publicly materialized.
Earlier Wednesday, he told reporters that he's “in no hurry” to strike a deal to wrap up the war because of political concerns and the November midterm elections.
The commencement was held on a day with scorching heat and there was little shade available as the crowd waited for the ceremony to begin.
At least one person required medical attention after passing out. Others pleaded with organizers for elderly attendants to sit in the shade under tents. Chilled water bottles were distributed freely but quickly became warm.
Trump, who spoke at the academy’s graduation in 2017 during his first term, said he was proud to be the first president to give two commencement addresses at the school.
“We’re going to have to try it maybe a third time, too, to keep that record intact,” Trump said Wednesday.
Trump told the cadets that they were graduating at “an incredible, exciting time for our nation,” a time he described as resurgence of national strength, morale and confidence.
As he declared “America is back,” the president departed from what is traditionally a nonpolitical speech by the commander in chief to military graduates and shifted to critiques of his predecessors, saying the country had been “run by foolish politicians.”
He promoted his tariff policies and immigration crackdown and said that "under this administration, we don’t apologize for American power or wealth.”
“What we do really is we want to maximize it. We take advantage of it,” he said. “We unleash it, and we wield it to pursue our country’s glorious destiny and our beautiful American Dream.”
The president and vice president traditionally speak at one of the military service academies every year. Vice President JD Vance is set to give the commencement address on May 28 at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Before he flew to Connecticut, Trump told reporters that his message to the cadets would be, “Just enjoy your life.”
“You know, you don’t really realize how important Coast Guard is until you have a hurricane,” Trump said as he praised the maritime service.
Price reported from Washington.
President Donald Trump arrives for the commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
President Donald Trump speaks during the commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in New London, Conn., Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
U.S. Coast Guard Academy Cadets endure the heat as President Donald Trump speaks during the commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in New London, Conn., Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
President Donald Trump arrives for the commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in New London, Conn., Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
President Donald Trump arrives for the commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in New London, Conn., Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
