Trump breaks 18-year tradition by addressing graduates in Alabama

In Alabama, the University of Alabama hosted a controversial commencement event featuring President Donald Trump as its speaker, breaking an 18-year tradition of not having speakers at the main graduation ceremony. This event occurred in early May 2025, coinciding with final preparations for the university's graduation weekend. Trump's invitation elicited significant backlash from groups such as the Alabama NAACP and the university's College Democrats, who planned a counter-rally named 'Tide Against Trump'. The criticism pointed to the president's policies, which they argued have adversely affected students, especially those of color, and detracted from the spirit of the graduation celebration. Despite the protests, Trump remains a popular figure within Alabama's predominantly Republican political landscape, receiving 64% of the votes in the 2024 presidential election. This sentiment has led to speculation about the significance of a presidential visit at such events and how it influences political rhetoric among young graduates. The ongoing political climate in the U.S. has made commencement speeches a platform for addressing broader societal issues, as seen in the past when speakers addressed the U.S. global role amidst war. As students prepared to receive their diplomas, the event spotlighted the intersection of education, politics, and activism in America, making this ceremony a memorable one in the context of their university's history.