During a more than hour-long commencement speech at the University of Alabama, former President Donald Trump name-dropped numerous individuals—from politicians and athletes to a real estate mogul with a “trophy wife”—as he delivered advice and anecdotes to the graduating class.
He kicked things off by thanking legendary Alabama football coach Nick Saban, who introduced him at Coleman Coliseum. Trump praised Saban’s legacy and even gave a nod to current coach Kalen DeBoer. He also commended University President Stuart Bell for his decade of leadership.
Trump scanned the audience for Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, complimenting her leadership and mentioning a recent photo they took. He also acknowledged his friend, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, sharing a light-hearted memory about Tuberville’s coaching days and his role in Alabama hiring Saban.
The former president highlighted several Alabama lawmakers, including Reps. Gary Palmer and Robert Aderholt, as well as Michigan Rep. Lisa McClain. State officials such as Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, Attorney General Steve Marshall, and Secretary of State Wes Allen also received mentions, along with Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, Chancellor Sid Trant, and the university’s board of trustees.
Trump made sure to honor the graduates’ families, thanking parents and grandparents for their support.
Alabama football greats like Bear Bryant, Joe Namath, and the school’s Heisman winners were hailed as “legends,” with Nick Saban again getting special recognition. Shifting to politics, Trump celebrated the women’s track and field team for their SEC titles and reiterated his stance on keeping women’s sports female-only.
He encouraged graduates to seize their youth, citing Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, and U.S. Founding Fathers like Hamilton and Jefferson as examples of young trailblazers. Trump then referenced golf icon Gary Player, sharing a quote: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”
Another story centered on William Levitt, the developer of Levittown, whom Trump described as living a lavish life with his second “trophy wife.” Trump recounted a conversation with Levitt about the regret of early retirement and used it to remind graduates to recognize when their momentum fades.
He wrapped up with a mention of tech leaders, noting a change in tone from his first term. “Elon [Musk] is so terrific,” he said, before joking that many tech CEOs now “kiss his ass.”
Trump’s final advice to the graduates: “Be original.”
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