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President Donald Trump told graduating cadets at the United States Coast Guard Academy on Wednesday that they had already demonstrated “unbelievable heroism and exceptional selflessness” but warned they would face even greater tests throughout their military careers.
The president’s commencement address to the academy’s class of 2026 marked the first time he has spoken at a U.S. military academy graduation since American forces became involved in the current conflict with Iran.
Addressing cadets during a ceremony broadcast live on RSBN, President Trump said graduates would serve as both 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,” President Trump said.
He briefly referenced the ongoing war with Iran, now entering its 12th week, while discussing what he described as growing American strength on the global stage.
“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,” President Trump said.
The president recently warned Iran of possible renewed military strikes after negotiations between Washington and Tehran appeared to stall and a fragile ceasefire showed signs of weakening. Earlier this week, however, President Trump said he was delaying further action because “serious negotiations” were continuing.
On Wednesday, before departing for Connecticut, the president told reporters he was “in no hurry” to finalize a deal ending the conflict, citing political considerations and the upcoming midterm elections.
President Trump noted that he had previously delivered a commencement address at the Coast Guard Academy in 2017 during his first term and said he was proud to become the first president to speak at two graduation ceremonies at the school.
Presidents and vice presidents traditionally rotate commencement appearances among the nation’s military academies each year. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to deliver the commencement address at the United States Air Force Academy on May 28.