TUSCALOOSA, AL — The class of 2025 at the University of Alabama got a high-profile send-off as former President Donald J. Trump delivered their commencement address on campus this week — a speech that stirred both political undertones and heartfelt encouragement, drawing thunderous applause from graduates and their families.

Escorted to the stage by legendary Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban, Trump’s remarks centered on what he called “the golden age of America,” urging students to embrace opportunity, reject victim-hood, and become champions in their own lives.

“Don’t consider yourself a victim. Consider yourself a winner,” Trump told the crowd. “In America, anyone can be a winner.”

Trump delivered a “10-step” motivational talk focused on perseverance, gratitude, and ambition. He cited icons like Walt Disney and Steve Jobs — both of whom launched global brands at age 21 — as examples of what youth can achieve with vision and grit. His message was peppered with moments of levity and personal anecdotes, including his historic 54-point win in Alabama and a shout-out to the women’s track and field team for their SEC victories.

While mostly focused on encouragement, Trump also touched on a political hot-button issue: the protection of women’s sports.

“As long as I’m president, we will always protect women’s sports,” he said to an explosion of cheers. “Men will not play in women’s sports. No way.”

That particular message resonated deeply with the crowd, many of whom were joined by parents and family members in loud, visible support. One graduate told Campus Reform that efforts to organize a student walkout over Trump’s appearance “fell flat,” with fewer than a dozen participants.

Mary Elizabeth Miller, another graduate and Campus Reform contributor, praised the speech for its tone and vision.

“One of my favorite points was that the next chapter of American history will not be written by the Princeton’s or Harvard’s, but by the Crimson Tide,” she said. “His message wasn’t political. It was motivational.”

Trump’s remarks also highlighted the importance of thanking parents and grandparents, drawing applause as he emphasized that success rarely comes alone. The address was widely viewed as a unifying moment on campus, with students across the political spectrum applauding the focus on opportunity, optimism, and national pride.

As Trump closed, he smiled and pointed to the line that earned one of the loudest reactions of the night:

“We’re not inspired by the Harvard Crimson,” he said, referencing the Ivy League newspaper. “We’re inspired by the Crimson Tide.”

And from the sound of it, the crowd wholeheartedly agreed.