NEW LONDON – While President Donald Trump was making his way through a 52-minute commencement speech at the United States Coast Guard Academy in the bright, hot sun early Wednesday afternoon, the commander in chief was making news off the field in Connecticut.
With the presumptive gubernatorial nominee state Sen. Ryan Fazio sitting in the audience – and badly seeking Trump’s endorsement – state Democrats took shots at both Republican politicians.
“Donald Trump delivered a 53-minute (52-minutes by my count) rambling, deeply partisan commencement address at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London – veering far from the nonpartisan tradition expected at a military academy graduation,” the Connecticut Democrats said in a statement later in the day.
“Commencement addresses, especially at a service academy, are supposed to be about the graduates, their families and honoring their commitment to serving the United States,” said Ian Clarke, the Connecticut Democrats spokesperson. “Donald Trump instead gave an incoherent rant ranging from Taiwanese tariffs to illegally running for a third term.”
Clarke went on to mention Fazio’s appearance at the event and what he thought of Trump’s remarks.
“Ryan Fazio was in the stands,” Clarke added. “So, maybe he can clarify whether he believes that Trump’s insulting remarks demonstrated the respect and appreciation the men and women of the USCG Academy have earned from their commander in chief.”
It was notable that no major Connecticut Democrat, including Gov. Ned Lamont, showed up.
Fazio, who was unable to meet with Trump at the commencement, did offer his thoughts on the event in an X.com post:
“It was an honor to attend yesterday’s commencement ceremonies at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London. These cadets have already dedicated so much in service to our country, and their work has only just begun. Being home to the USCGA is one of the proudest hallmarks of our great state, and Connecticut is so proud of the young men & women who graduated yesterday from one of the nation’s most prestigious military institutions.”
As for Trump’s speech, a good part of it meandered from such topics as America First to the Iran War (“there is nothing left of their military”) to the Big Beautiful budget reconciliation bill, tariffs (his new favorite word), negotiating with Finland to purchase icebreakers to something about rudders. The tough part for those in attendance was not knowing when it would end as temperatures hovered in the 90s with no shade.
Many of the cadets’ families and friends in the stands, which for the most part was not covered from the sun, were using the commencement programs to fan themselves. And there were at least a handful of people who were taken away suffering from heat-related maladies.
However, before the “Big Beautiful Speech” ended and the 278 cadets received their diplomas While he didn’t take the time shake the hands of all the cadets, Trump did call up a select few and shake their hands much to the chagrin of Connecticut Democrats.
One part of his speech focused on 49 cadets that he said, “studied longer and harder than anyone else.”
“These cadets are the really brilliant,” the President said. “You’re all brilliant. But these are slightly more brilliant. Don’t feel guilty about success.”
“You’re America’s first defenders. You’re America’s first responders. You are the living standard bearers of America’s first fleet. As your commander in chief, I could not be prouder of the great Class of 2026.”
He then spent some time calling out the names of cadets who racked up some achievements over their four years at the academy.
They included Matthew Lanzilotta, distinguished graduate; Thomas Rhodes, who had a perfect score on every single fitness test for the last four years; Dhren Michael Kettish, first Coast Guard cadet to go into the guard’s special forces; Savanah Riera, class president; Broock Desta, all-time leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns for the football team; Abby McAllister, all-and time leader in points and assists for women’s lacrosse.
