During his May 1 commencement address at the University of Alabama, former President Donald Trump encouraged graduates to "think big" and "never give up." But his message extended beyond inspiration.
Blending motivational themes with pointed political commentary, Trump used the occasion to criticize President Joe Biden's administration and denounce court rulings that have blocked his immigration policies.
"The last four years were not good for our country," Trump said. "We were run by people who didn’t have a clue... and I’m trying to be nice when I say it that way. They allowed our beautiful USA to be laughed at, scorned, and taken advantage of by everybody."
Trump promoted elements of his second-term agenda, including tariffs that have fueled economic uncertainty at a time when thousands of new graduates are preparing to look for work. He downplayed concerns over a 0.3% GDP decline in the first quarter—the sharpest quarterly drop in three years—insisting strong growth is still ahead.
Former President Donald Trump delivered the commencement address at the University of Alabama on May 1, offering a blend of motivational advice and pointed political commentary to thousands of graduating students and their families.
“Like many generations before you, you're graduating at a pivotal moment for our country—a time of remarkable change, tremendous opportunity, and what I believe will be unprecedented growth,” Trump said. “You’re going to see it very soon. Very, very soon.”
While striking a hopeful tone about America’s future, Trump quickly pivoted to campaign-style messaging. He promoted key elements of his second-term agenda, including tariffs that have raised uncertainty about the economy—especially relevant for graduates entering the job market. Despite a 0.3% decline in GDP during the first quarter—the weakest in three years—Trump predicted a period of “unbelievable growth.”
He also criticized the Biden administration, singling out high inflation and asserting that the country had been mismanaged over the past four years. At one point, Trump acknowledged his speech was “slightly political.”
The former president also condemned recent judicial decisions, including a ruling earlier that day by a federal judge he appointed. The judge blocked Trump’s attempt to use the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants from southeastern Texas.
“The courts are trying to stop me from doing the job I was elected to do,” Trump said, claiming a steep decline in illegal border crossings since taking office. “Judges are interfering, supposedly based on due process. But how can you give due process to people who came into our country illegally? They want to give them due process—I don’t know.”
Trump’s speech marks one of several public appearances in the lead-up to the 2024 election season, where he’s expected to double down on themes of economic revival and immigration reform.
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