Trump Addresses Coast Guard Academy Class of 2026
On a scorching Wednesday morning, President Donald Trump gave the keynote speech during the 145th commencement ceremony of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, celebrating the graduation of the class of 2026 at Cadet Memorial Field.
Accompanied by Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, Trump received a ceremonial 21-gun salute before honoring the 260 new Ensigns.
In his opening remarks, Trump reflected on his previous connection to the academy, noting he had also delivered a commencement address back in 2017.
“It’s a true honor to be here on this magnificent day at one of the most prestigious military academies anywhere in the world, and I’m thrilled to become the first president to ever give a second keynote address to this storied institution,” Trump shared. “We might need a third time to keep that record going.”
Before handing the stage over to Trump, Secretary Mullin deviated from his planned speech to praise the Coast Guard and share his experiences driving with the president from the airport.
“I’m not shy about who my favorite is among the 22 components,” Mullin stated regarding the Department of Homeland Security. “The Coast Guard is our first line of defense for keeping the homeland safe….[The president] was boasting about your uniforms, your training, and your mission capabilities.”
Throughout his hour-long address, Trump commended the courage of the Coast Guard, reminiscing about their daring rescue efforts during hurricanes in Texas during his presidency.
“I wouldn’t have done it,” Trump quipped. “I would have said, ‘Captain, I’m not feeling too great today. Maybe I’ll take a day off.’”
He congratulated the graduates on achieving what he described as “one of the highest distinctions anyone can attain.”
Inviting 49 standout cadets to be recognized, he added a light-hearted remark as the crowd applauded them.
“You’re all brilliant, but these are perhaps slightly more brilliant,” he commented as the praised cadets took their bows.
A particularly amusing moment arose when Trump called on the class’s top scholar, Matthew Lanzilotta from Virginia Beach, to join him at the podium.
“I hate good-looking men,” Trump joked as Lanzilotta exited stage after their handshake.
The president also celebrated Mike Kettish from Leesburg, Virginia, who made history as the first Coast Guard Academy graduate to go directly into the Coast Guard Special Forces.
“What was that all about?” Trump exclaimed, visibly impressed, inviting Kettish up to the stage to thunderous applause.
As his address drew to a close, Trump imparted a personal piece of advice about perseverance.
“They ask me, ‘How do you be successful, sir?’ It all starts with never giving up,” he told the class. “I’ve learned a lot about life, but the most important lesson is perseverance. Never quitting, never giving up is crucial.”
After his speech, the graduates presented Trump with a custom Coast Guard Academy football helmet as a gesture of their appreciation.
Continuing the tradition, Trump exercised his executive power to absolve all cadets who faced minor restrictions for infractions, clearing their records before their transition into active military duty.
