TUSCALOOSA, Alabama (AP) — President Donald Trump took a notably Republican trip to Alabama on Thursday to address University of Alabama alumni.
Trump’s evening address in Tuscaloosa marks his first speech to graduates during his second term as president, coinciding with celebrations of the initial 100 days of his administration.
The White House has not shared specifics regarding Trump’s intended message.
Alabama, which Trump won in 2024 with 64% of the votes, has hosted numerous large rallies over the past decade. It is also where Trump first showed significant support during his initial presidential campaign, filling stadiums for his events.
The White House refers to Trump’s remarks as an inaugural speech; however, it is actually a special event held prior to the graduation ceremony set for Friday. Alumni can choose to attend the event but attendance is not mandatory.
Former Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban also addressed the audience.
Before the president’s arrival, alumni in caps and gowns along with their families began entering the arena where Trump is scheduled to speak. Many appeared eager about the chance to meet him in person.
Emily Appel, a 22-year-old advertising major from Norlos, Georgia, described Trump’s speech as “a huge surprise.”
“I believe it’s an honor regardless of who the president is. Having the US president speak to our school is a significant privilege,” Appel remarked. “It’s the cherry on top of the best four years in Alabama.”
She referred to Trump as “a very impactful figure” and expressed hopes for a message that emphasizes positivity regarding future employment and real-world experiences.
“We can’t imagine anyone more prominent could speak here,” stated Sophie Best, a communications degree graduate.
The 21-year-old from Cartersville, Georgia, who attended Trump’s first inauguration in 2017 as a high school freshman, shared her admiration for him, much like her father.
“I think it’s amazing for us to experience, make history, and engage in this, irrespective of political beliefs,” she noted.
Trump’s visit has drawn criticism from college Democrats at the University of Alabama and the NAACP.
The College Democrats organized a counter-rally termed “Tide Against Trump,” a play on the university’s nickname. The event features Texas presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke and former US Senator Doug Jones, the last Democrat to serve in a statewide position in Alabama.
O’Rourke commended the students for their “inspired” actions, stating their efforts in Republican-leaning states like Alabama serve as examples for others.
“You’re either too red now, or too public for the country for Republicans to accommodate right now, and you can’t be free enough to be considered obvious,” O’Rourke conveyed to the Associated Press upon his arrival in Tuscaloosa. “You must definitely show up everywhere. We are genuinely at risk.”
The ex-House member and former presidential candidate also highlighted Alabama’s history of civil rights and social justice as a counter to conservative majority policies.
“Reflecting on Alabama’s past from 60 years ago: In March 1965, John Lewis led that march with the support of Texan LBJ, creating the first truly multi-ethnic democracy in American history,” O’Rourke shared. “That democracy is now under threat, thus we are invoking Alabama and American history to remind people that power lies with the populace.”
The NAACP stated that Trump’s policies adversely affect universities and students, particularly those of color.
“Students of color’s choice, and indeed every student’s, should be to skip his speech and use that time to consider how to foster a more inclusive America,” articulated Benard Simelton, president of the Alabama NAACP.
Trump’s visit to Alabama is his second this week. He held a rally in Michigan on Tuesday, commemorating his 100-day mark in office.
Aside from weekend trips for private matters, the president has not engaged in many official visits since taking office on January 20th. He typically addresses the public through impromptu press conferences held in the Oval Office and other White House events.
Following his stop in Alabama, Trump is expected to head to Florida for the long weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort.
Next month, he will deliver his opening address at the US Military Academy in West Point, New York.
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Associated Press reporter Bill Barrow contributed from Atlanta.
