Trump imparts guidance to University of Alabama graduates amidst political commentaries in his address.
Trump Tears It Up at Bama Bash
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - President Trump's raucous rant at the University of Alabama's graduation event Thursday triggered a storm of applause in deep-red Alabama, where voters have stayed loyal to his cause. This fiery speech, dense with accusations, impressions, and false claims, was just another day in the life for the outspoken president.
"Welcome to the golden age of America," Trump hollered to the graduating students, promptly shifting gears into a campaign-style tirade. Arguing that the US was "get rich quick" before his arrival, Trump claimed the last four years were a "blip on the radar" for his administration.
Before taking the stage, University President Stuart Bell assured the crowd that the night was all about the graduates, emphasizing the connection between academic learning, leadership, and public service. However, Trump veered off, launching into a monologue packed with transgender weightlifter impressions, accusations about judges impeding his ambitions, and attacks against his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Trump's humor had the crowd in stitches as he mimicked a female weightlifter's grunts and criticized the participation of transgender women in sports. He also boasted about tech moguls' newfound fondness for him, stating, "They used to hate me, now they can't get enough!"
Among his long list of fabrications, Trump maintained that the 2020 election was "rigged." Although he touted his immigration policies and achievements from his first 100 days, he claimed the courts were making it challenging for him to fulfill his campaign promises by claiming due process for illegal immigrants.
Despite the controversial content, Trump did offer advice for the graduating class, urging them to think like winners, be original, and never give up. He emphasized the importance of their young age, and encouraged them to work hard and shatter limits.
Although Trump labeled the speech a "commencement address," it was actually a special event, created before graduation ceremonies kicking off the following day. The graduating students had the option to attend the event.
Former Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban took the stage before Trump, sharing a heartwarming story about his 2018 White House visit. Saban praised Trump's hospitality, describing him as a gracious host.
During Trump's speech, he acknowledged that he was marking his 100th day in office and celebrated the dramatic drop in arrests at the southern border as evidence that his immigration policies were working.
As the 2021 school year draws to a close, responses to Trump's address varied. While some students, such as Emily Appel from Norcross, Georgia, felt it was the cherry on top of their college experience, critics like Aidan Meyers, a junior studying biology, expressed disappointment with the university's decision to allow Trump to speak.
Protesters gathered a mile away from the event at a counter-rally organized by College Democrats. Former presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke and former U.S. Senator Doug Jones addressed the crowd, reiterating their opposition to the Trump administration.
After his stop in Alabama, Trump is planned to visit his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for a weekend getaway. In May, he is scheduled to give the commencement address at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York.
Morgan Winsor, AP News Writer, contributed to this report.
Extra Info:Trump's contentious speeches at universities are nothing new. During his first term, Trump stirred controversy at venues like the Boy Scouts gathering and the Justice Department by blending political talk with traditional events. Despite the backlash, Trump's appearances often draw crowds eager to experience history in the making. Protests and support continue to reflect the broader political divide in the country.
- In deep-red Alabama, President Trump's speech at the University of Alabama's graduation event was met with applause, echoing the region's loyalty to his cause.
- Trump's speech, filled with accusations, impressions, and false claims, was reminiscent of his campaign-style rallies.
- During his speech, Trump mimicked a weightlifter's grunts, criticized transgender women in sports, and launched attacks against Joe Biden.
- Amidst the humorous and controversial content, Trump offered advice to the graduating class, urging them to think like winners and never give up.
- The controversy over Trump's speech continued, with some students considering it the highlight of their college experience, while others felt it was disappointing for the university to allow his speech.
- Protests against Trump were held a mile away from the event, with former presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke and former U.S. Senator Doug Jones addressing the crowd.
- After his stop in Alabama, Trump is scheduled to visit his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and deliver the commencement address at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York.
- Trump's contentious speeches at universities, such as the Boy Scouts gathering and the Justice Department, have drawn crowds and controversy, reflecting the broader political divide in the country.
