WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump traveled to Connecticut on Wednesday to address graduates at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, telling them to “never give up” and “never stop pushing forward.”

The president started his address by congratulating the 145th Graduating class at Cadet Memorial Field. He also praised the cadets for being warriors who want to be America’s “first defenders” and “first responders.”

“Very soon, you’ll swap your shoulder boards and you’ll join the long, Blue Line of legendary rescuers, seafarers, and service members that fill American hearts with admiration and pride,” Trump said, adding that the Coast Guard is comprised of “outstanding” men and women.

“Today, this field is full of the smartest minds, the toughest athletes, and the most tenacious leaders our nation has to offer,” he added. “It really is very hard to get into this particular place.”

Trump also told the cadets “we have the greatest military in the world,” commending the Coast Guard for capturing former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January, as well as stopping drugs from making their way in the U.S., and making sure Iran didn’t secure a nuclear weapon throughout “Operation Epic Fury.

“Never, ever give up,” Trump said, urging cadets to be strong and brave.

“Keep pushing forward. Never stop pushing forward,” he added.

During the event, Trump recognized several cadets, including Thomas Rhodes, who earned a perfect score on every fitness test for the last four years straight.

Trump was accompanied by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. He also spoke at the event.

“You’re our first line of defense to protecting the homeland. And our president, our commander-in-chief, he believes in peace through strength, but he also understands that not everybody believes in peace, and some people only respect strength. And because of the great men and women who sit in front of me today, you give our commander-in-chief the options,” Mullin told cadets.

Trump last spoke at the commencement ceremony in May 2017, where he praised the Coast Guard for its mission, saying the graduating class is “always ready.”

“Americans will place their trust in your leadership, just as they have trusted in generations of Coast Guard men and women,” Trump previously said.

In 2025, former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem gave the keynote address.

Trump’s appearance this year was also met with protests, the Hartford Courant reported, as a protest was scheduled at New London’s McKinley Park on Wednesday morning. The outlet reported that a coalition of 14 or more organizations operating as the “Unify and Resist Coalition” planned to be in attendance.