News + Press

Donald Trump delivered a 53-minute rambling, deeply partisan commencement address at the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, CT – veering far from the nonpartisan tradition expected at a military academy graduation. 

Ryan Fazio sat in the stands, reminding voters he welcomes the President’s endorsement, as Trump:

• Said that “some people want to take this country way left” to “destroy it.”

• Referenced unconstitutionally running for office for a third term.

• Railed against Connecticut reporters, calling them fake news.

• Threatened to “hit them again” in Iran.

• Rambled about how “tariff” is his favorite word and criticized Taiwan for stealing American semiconductor production.
  

Trump did not bother to stay long enough to shake the hands of each graduating cadet, breaking tradition with former Presidents and Vice Presidents who gave the USCGA commencement address.

Just a reminder – Ryan Fazio has expressed his support for Trump multiple times, saying he “would love the President’s endorsement,” and that he has “a great deal of respect for his public service and his willingness to step up.” Fazio’s running mate, Matt Corey, called himself “the fighter Donald Trump needs by his side.”

Statement from CT Dems Spokesperson Ian Clarke:

“Commencement addresses, especially at a service academy, are supposed to be about the graduates, their families, and honoring their commitment to serving the United States. Donald Trump instead gave an incoherent rant ranging from Taiwanese tariffs to illegally running for a third term. Ryan Fazio was in the stands, so maybe he can clarify whether he believes that Trump’s insulting remarks demonstrated the respect and appreciation the men and women of the USCG Academy have earned from their commander-in-chief.”