Trump Breaks With Tradition and Won't Speak at U.S. Naval Academy Graduation

[mahatmakanejeeves]

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Trump Breaks With Tradition and Won’t Speak at U.S. Naval Academy Graduation

The military academy cycles through four speakers on rotation, and this year should be President Trump’s turn.

By Emily Burack Published: May 19, 2026 10:24 AM EDT


Kayla Bartkowski//Getty Images

President Donald Trump will not speak at the United States Naval Academy graduation this Friday at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, breaking with tradition.

The military academy historically cycles through just four speakers: the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of Defense, the Vice President, and the President.⁠ As Vice President JD Vance spoke last graduation, this year it is President Trump’s turn. Instead, the General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will address the Class of 2026. No reason was given for Trump skipping the graduation.

According to the Baltimore Banner, “The Naval Academy had been unusually mum about this year’s graduation speaker, waiting until less than a week before commencement to announce it publicly.⁠”

Trump last addressed the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis in 2018, drawing what the Navy Times described as a “mixed response.” He told the graduates, “You’re among the finest people anywhere in the world— the smartest, the strongest. You know you will make us proud. We know that glory will be yours because you are winners, you are warriors, you are fighters, you are champions, and you will lead us only to victory.”

{snip}

[Ocelot II]

1. So the graduates will get to hear a sane graduation speech by a normal person.

[DinahMoeHum]

3. IF it's the SecNav speaking. . .

The other 3 (Hegseth, Vance, Trump) FUGGEDABOUTIT.

[chicoescuela]

2. Good. He can't walk down that very dangerous ramp any longer

[sinkingfeeling]

4. Isn't that where he encountered the terrifying ramp?

[Ocelot II]

8. Maybe that's why he isn't doing it this year.

[odins folly]

5. Watched a documentary about FDR

Recently, before our poisoned media was a thing and the 24 hour news cycle didn’t exist, when reporters simply reported the news and events of the day without having to worry about what slant was being applied to the story and the only BS was from tabloid rags…..

The documentary mentioned that the press didn’t focus on the wheelchair when FDR was speaking. Everyone knew he had had polio and couldn’t walk in assisted. There was no reason to glorify him in the chair.

But this clownish fuck, where everything about him is a made up bullshit lie.. we should focus on his inability to function normally. Specifically because they LIE about EVERYTHING!!!!!

[WestMichRad]

6. Lucky them!

[Dan]

7. Aren't they like the others

Their pledge prevents them from shaking the hand (or something like thst) of a dishonorable person?

[eppur_se_muova]

9. Good. Sailors should avoid bad influences. nt