Coast Guard’s “Always Ready” Ethos Celebrated By Trump In Commencement Address
on May 20, 2026
The 145th commencement exercises of the United States Coast Guard Academy, located in New London, Connecticut, were held on Wednesday, May 20, and the commencement address was given by the commander in chief, President Donald Trump.
Introduced by U.S. Sec. of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, Trump became the first president to deliver a second commencement address to the Coast Guard Academy.
“It’s a true honor to be here, this magnificent day, at one of the most prestigious military academies anywhere in the world,” Trump said. “I’m thrilled to become the first president to ever give a second keynote address to this storied institution. I am very proud of that honor. We’ll have to try it a third time.”
His first address to the Coast Guard Academy was during his first term, delivered to the Class of 2017.
Watch President Trump’s Speech To The Coast Guard Cadets
Taking a moment to celebrate the nation that these graduates will be defending, Trump said that the country has made a significant turnaround, going from being “a dead country” under President Joe Biden.
Looking to the present, Trump said, “Right now, we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world. We’re respected all over the world.”
He went on to cite his recent visit to China, as well as military exploits in Venezuela and the ongoing Operation Epic Fury in Iran, as being indicative of the respect the nation is experiencing.
“Over the past four years, this class has been [mentored] by an exceptional team of professors and coaches and military professionals who have shaped you into leaders,” Trump said, quipping, “You came with very good quality, but they shaped you, nevertheless.”
Continuing, he said:
“Through every generation, the heroes of the United States Coast Guard have lived by a creed of honor and bravery and sacrifice that have defied every storm, shipwreck, and every single enemy attack... In the hour of need, our Coast Guardsmen have brought hope to the hopeless and swept the innocent from the jaws of a raging sea — seas like nobody has ever seen before, in some cases.”
He then went on to powerfully say, “For decades, the men and women of this noble service have repeated an unofficial motto of pure, unyielding courage. It says, “You have to go out, but you don’t have to come back.”
This sentiment goes hand-in-hand with the Coast Guard’s official motto: Semper Paratus, or “Always Ready.”
“You’re America’s first defenders, you are America’s first responders, you are the living standard bearers of America’s first fleet,” Trump said. “As your commander in chief, I could not be prouder of the great Class of 2026. Congratulations.”
Celebrating the accomplishments of 49 cadets in particular, which make up the Coast Guard Academy Scholars.
He then recognized a few cadets, inviting them up to personally shake his hand.
These moments were quite humorous, with Trump calling Matthew Lanzilotta up to honor him for his accomplishment as the cadet with the highest score in academic and military achievements.
After shaking his hand, Trump said, “I hate good looking men.”
Looking to the top fitness cadet, Thomas Rhodes was called up, and Trump stated, “I’m not fighting you, this is not UFC … Look at the muscles on this guy.”
Following Trump’s remarks, Savannah Riera, president of the Class of 2026, presented Trump with a special present: a Coast Guard football helmet emblazoned with No. 47, in recognition of Trump being the 47th president.
In return, Trump thought quickly and gave Savannah his USA hat that he brought with him to the commencement ceremony.
Watch the full commencement ceremony, here:
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