Trump addresses Coast Guard Academy graduates in New London

Added: 2026-05-25

[00:00:00]Air Force One was in Connecticut today.

[00:00:02]>> President Trump was in New London for the Coast Guard Academy's commencement.

[00:00:05]A large group of protesters gathered along a road near the academy for a peaceful demonstration against the president and his policies.

[00:00:13]>> Shiela LoGuidice was at today's ceremony and joins us now with more on the president's message to the graduates.

[00:00:18]The United States Coast Guard Academy's [clears throat] commencement has officially wrapped up. That included a visit from President Donald Trump. We saw a lot when we got here today.

[00:00:28]Thousands were in New London. They were met with high security on their way to the ceremony. They also saw this, people protesting President Donald Trump's presence. Once on campus though, Secret Service and local police were all around, on roofs too. A lot of media were also set up for this event. While crowds of family members were in the stands on this very hot day. Water was encouraged by people. Medics were on the ready, standing by for any medical emergencies.

[00:00:58]And after the cadets filled in, President Donald Trump arrived. He of course was surrounded by security before making his speech. And a few moments from now every graduate on the field will go forth with a even greater honor, one of the highest distinctions anyone can attain. You'll become commissioned officers in the United States Coast Guard and our country is hot. This is a great time.

[00:01:23]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.

[00:01:34]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's ever seen before in some cases.

[00:01:48]I want to just say a very strong God bless the Coast Guard Academy, the class of 2026. God bless the United States military, and God bless the United States of America. Thank you very much.

[00:02:02]Have a great, >> [applause] >> great, and stellar career. Thank you very much, everybody. Thank you.

[00:02:09]Congratulations, Class of 2026. We are proud of you. The Coast Guard needs you, and the nation is fortunate to have you.

[00:02:31]And as you just saw, the ceremony concluded with a flyover. The Coast Guard tells us one graduating cadet today is from West Warwick. Reporting in New London, I'm Sheena Lo Shutou, 12 News.