President Donald Trump shared an empowering message with University of Alabama alumni on Thursday night, emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance in building a strong America.
Before Trump took the stage, the university president, Stuart Bell, addressed the assembly, stating that this ceremony was a significant opportunity to reflect on the vital links between academic research, civic engagement, and public service.
President Trump speaking at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa on May 1, 2025 (Elijah Noubage/AFP via Getty)
In his remarks, Trump shared ten pieces of advice from his own life, highlighting themes of achievement and service. Among his tips were “think of yourself as a winner,” “be original,” and “never back down.”
He reassured the graduates that they were never too young to chase success, recalling how he secured his first hotel development contract in his twenties.
“Now is the time to put in even more effort than ever before,” he urged. “Push your limits and break through barriers.”
Trump also commended those who leverage their business talents to construct a better America, achieving more for the public good than those focused solely on profits through speculative finance.
This event was specially organized ahead of the Friday graduation ceremony, and alumni had the choice to participate.
As reported by the Associated Press, Trump noted he was on his 100th day in office and pointed to a decline in arrests at the U.S. southern border as evidence that his immigration policies were effective, asserting that he was upholding his campaign promises.
“Judges may be intervening based on a legitimate process,” he remarked. “But how can we afford legitimacy to those who entered our country illegally?”
