In a nod to the turmoil plaguing his administration, President Trump told the graduating class at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Wednesday to follow his example and “never give up” when life treats you wrongly or unfairly.
“You have to put your head down and fight, fight, fight. Never ever give up. Things will work our just fine,” he told the graduates, families and guests at the academy in New London, Connecticut.
“Look at the way I’ve been treated recently, especially by the media,” the president said. “No politician in history — and I say this with great surety — has been treated worse or more unfairly. You can’t let them get you down. You can’t let the critics and naysayers get in the way of your dreams.
“Adversity makes you stronger. Don’t give in. Never back down,” he said.
Mr. Trump also expressed profound gratitude and respect for the new Coast Guard officers and their services to their country, stopping drugs, weapons and human traffickers and coming to the rescue of the shipwrecked in U.S. waterways.
It was Mr. Trump’s first commencement speech at a U.S. service academy as president.
“Together we have the same mission. And your devotion and dedication makes me truly proud to be your commander in chief,” he said.
As Mr. Trump talked about the travails he has faced, the speech drifted into political territory.
He touted accomplishments, including picking a new Supreme Court justice, reducing illegal border crossings, loosening federal regulations and expanding services for veterans.
The shoutout to veterans was applauded.
Mr. Trump said the American people understand what he’s doing.
“I didn’t get elected to serve the Washington media or special interests. I got elected to serve the forgotten men and women of our country and that’s what I’m doing,” the president said. “I will never stop fighting for the American people.”
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.