President Donald Trump is set to deliver the commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, on Wednesday morning, marking his return to the service's graduation ceremony since 2017.
The speech comes as the Trump administration faces mounting scrutiny over U.S. military operations in Iran and ongoing missions in the Caribbean and Latin America, including strikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels and the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
The Coast Guard has been deeply involved in enforcing sanctions against Venezuela and Iran, seizing tankers around the world that are accused of violating U.S. restrictions. These operations have placed the service at the center of the administration's foreign policy agenda.
Earlier this year, the Pentagon removed Adm. Linda Fagan as Coast Guard commandant, part of a broader wave of dismissals targeting top-ranking women and Black military officials early in Trump's second term. She has been replaced by Adm. Kevin Lunday, a white male officer.
Trump's address to the academy comes at a time when his approval ratings are at record lows, and his handling of the Iran situation has strained relations with key allies. The president has signaled he is in no rush to negotiate a deal with Tehran, even as energy markets feel the strain of ongoing conflict.
The Coast Guard ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. EDT. Live coverage is available above.
The event also highlights the administration's focus on border security and maritime law enforcement, areas where the Coast Guard has played a pivotal role. Trump's remarks are expected to emphasize these themes as he addresses the graduating class.
