Students and alumni of the University of Alabama are threatening to boycott the school's spring commencement ceremonies after President Donald Trump announced he would deliver the graduation speech.
On Monday, Trump announced that he will give commencement addresses at both the University of Alabama and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point this spring, USA Today reported.
ROLL TIDE: President Trump will be speaking at the graduation ceremonies for the University of Alabama and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. pic.twitter.com/V7atdSbKij
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 22, 2025
The University of Alabama's ceremonies are scheduled for May 3 and 4, while West Point's is set for May 24. It's tradition for presidents to speak at military academies' graduations, and Trump previously addressed West Point in 2020.
However, his appearance at the University of Alabama, a deeply conservative stronghold, stirred strong emotions. Backlash was swift and widespread online, with University of Alabama students and alumni voicing outrage over Trump's involvement in their graduation ceremonies.
Fuck my alma mater if this stands. They won't get a single ounce of support from me moving forward.
— DamonWanKenobi (@_Damon_Young_) April 22, 2025
Many took to social media, calling for boycotts and walkouts. One X user posted, "This makes me want to skip my own graduation," while another urged attendees on TikTok to "get up and walk out" when Trump begins speaking.
This makes me want to skip my own graduation
— Abbey🦋 (@cryingalways_tm) April 22, 2025
I swear I hope this is fake news. Leave my college alone.
— Edgar Walker (@walk2hawk) April 22, 2025
I'm an alumnus of the University of Alabama, keep that orange imbecile out of Tuscaloosa!!!
— Captain Chaos (@kbrownrolltide) April 22, 2025
Even some parents of graduating students have stated they will no longer attend the ceremonies in protest.
"Why would they do this ? My son is graduating too. He is not going," @msladyesquire said on TikTok.
@addisonraesbotoxdoctor Not what I wanted to wake up to this morning but we ball. I guess the president is talking to me which is cool but like not this one💔 #college #graduation #universityofalabama #trump #nothankyou
♬ Hillbilly Banjo - Parry Music Library / BMGPM
The University of Alabama has not issued a statement addressing the public pushback, nor has it indicated any change in the commencement plans. As of now, Trump is still expected to speak at both ceremonies.
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