Trump delivers keynote speech at Coast Guard Academy Commencement: ‘There’s nothing a Coast Guardsman cannot do’
OAN Staff Katherine Mosack and Sophia Flores
4:24 PM – Wednesday, May 20, 2026
President Donald Trump delivered the keynote address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s 145th commencement exercises on Wednesday morning, rallying the graduating class of 2026 on a blistering hot day at Cadet Memorial Field.
Joined by Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, the president was greeted with a traditional 21-gun salute before taking the stage to honor the 260 newly commissioned Ensigns.
In his opening remarks, Trump celebrated his unique connection to the historic institution, having previously delivered its commencement address during his first term 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 told the crowd. “We’re gonna have to try it maybe a third time, too, to keep that record intact.”
Before handing the microphone to the Commander-in-Chief, Secretary Mullin went “off script” to praise the Coast Guard and recount his drive with the president from the Groton-New London Airport.
“I play no games about who is my favorite out of the 22 components,” Mullin said of the agencies under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “I understand the Coast Guard, you’re our first line of defense to protecting the homeland….[The president] was bragging about everything from your uniforms to how you guys learn how to swim to your missions capability, and to the fact that you guys are involved in every mission.”
“Our president, our Commander-in-Chief, he believes in peace through strength,” Mullin continued, referencing a Reagan-era ideal. “But he also understands that not everybody believes in peace and some people only respect strength.”
During his hour-long address, Trump praised the unmatched bravery of the maritime branch, specifically recalling their perilous search-and-rescue deployments during severe hurricanes in Texas during his first administration.
“I wouldn’t have done it,” Trump joked. “I would have said, ‘Captain, I’m not feeling too good today. Think I’ll have to take a day off.’”
He congratulated the 2026 class of cadets on becoming commissioned officers, which he called “one of the highest distinctions anyone can attain.”
The president then invited 49 cadets to stand to be honored and recognized by the crowd for their exceptional academic, fitness and unique achievements.
“You’re all brilliant, but these are perhaps slightly more brilliant,” Trump commented as the cadets received applause.
The peak of the lighthearted exchanges came when Trump asked the class of 2026’s top academic achiever, Matthew Lanzilotta of Virginia Beach, to join him on the podium so he could see him.
“I hate good-looking men,” Trump joked into the microphone as Lanzilotta exited the stage after shaking the president’s hand.
He honored Mike Kettish of Leesburg, Virginia, who made history as the first Coast Guard Academy graduate to go straight into the Coast Guard Special Forces.
“What was that all about?” Trump exclaimed while visibly impressed by the feat as he invited Kettish up to the stage to receive a roaring round of applause from his peers.
As he wrapped up his address, Trump left the freshly minted officers with a core piece of personal advice centered around his own long-standing philosophy of perseverance.
“They ask me, ‘How do you be successful, sir?’ It starts with never give up,” Trump told the class of 2026. “I’ve learned a lot about life, but the one thing I’ve really learned is perseverance. Never quitting, never giving up is a big deal.”
Following his remarks, the class also presented the Commander-in-Chief with a custom Coast Guard Academy football helmet as a token of their appreciation.
Following tradition, Trump then exercised his executive authority to absolve all cadets currently under restriction for minor academy infractions, clearing their records before they officially transition into active military service.
Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
What do YOU think? Click here to jump to the comments!
Sponsored Content Below
Advertising by Adpathway
