Community Corner
President Donald Trump Pities Self, Tells Coast Guard Cadets He's Treated 'Unfairly': Watch Replay
President Trump praised cadets but also took shots at the media and those who have treated him "unfairly" during his commencement address.
NEW LONDON, CT — President Donald Trump delivered the keynote address at the Coast Guard Academy’s 136th commencement ceremony Wednesday, taking shots at the media and complaining that he has been treated more "unfairly" than any president in history.
“Starting today,” Trump said “I hope you feel the full gratitude of our nation...your dedication makes me truly proud to be your Commander-in-Chief.”
After offering his praise and admiration, Trump took aim at the “naysayers” and the press. He also stated no president in history has been treated as unfairly as him. (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)
Find out what's happening in New Londonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Look at the way I’ve been treated lately, especially by the media," Trump said. "No politician in history, and I say this with great surety, has been treated worse or more unfairly...You can’t let the critics and the naysayers get in the way of your dreams.”
Trump also took time to reflect on his accomplishments since taking office in January.
Find out what's happening in New Londonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“I’ve accomplished a tremendous amount in a very short amount of time as president,” Trump said. “Jobs are pouring back into our country...border crossings are down more than 70 percent in just a short period of time; a total record by the way by a lot.”
Air Force One landed at Groton-New London Airport at 10:35 a.m., after which Trump proceeded to the USCGA to deliver his speech. A group of supporters and protesters greeted his arrival.
Trump’s first commencement address as president was at Liberty University in Virginia, which is said to be the largest Christian university in the country. The university’s president, Jerry Falwell Jr., had endorsed Trump early on in the race.
During the commencement, Trump told the graduating class to ignore critics and spoke of the importance of God, saying “in America, we worship God, not the government.” Presidents traditionally give the commencement address at one military academy every year.
@POTUS @KellyannePolls @seanspicer @Reince @POTUS has arrived pic.twitter.com/QXyHaGIKJP
— Kathleen McWilliams (@kgmcwilliams) May 17, 2017
By 8 a.m., both supporters and protesters began to line up in advance of the president's visit.
Trump supporters on both sides of intersection off Route 32 pic.twitter.com/sVIgr5m3wN
— Christopher Keating (@chrispkeating) May 17, 2017
Sign says, "Make Russia Great Again" with police presence nearby pic.twitter.com/JnMrGPWKMY
— Christopher Keating (@chrispkeating) May 17, 2017
Police said demonstrations conducted at the ceremony concluded without incident. Although an excess of 500 people appeared, everyone's behavior was tolerable and well within the confines of the law.
"Despite differences,: police said in a release, "everyone was able to voice their opinions and remain peaceful."
Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr Commons
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
