Trump Delivers Commencement Speech At U.S. Coast Guard Academy

NEW LONDON, CT — President Donald Trump delivered the keynote address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy commencement.

He previously gave the commencement address at the Coast Guard in 2017.

Last year, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem delivered the commencement address at the academy.

Designated public assembly areas were at McKinley Park and the grass parcel on Williams Street just past the overpass.

Around 200 protesters lined up close to the academy, according to WFSB 3-TV. They hoped the president's motorcade would drive by, but it appeared to take another route.

During his comments, Trump said he was "thrilled" to speak at the academy's commencement for a second time.

Trump often referred to the Coast Guard's bravery.

"I've watched you during those hurricanes in Texas," he said. "The bravery you displayed was incredible."

He also frequently took shots at the previous presidential administration. Trump said that during that previously the U.S. was a "dead" country but that's changed under his leadership.

"We're the hottest country anywhere in the world with the strongest military in the world," he said.

Video of the ceremony is available at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy's website.