University of Alabama: Trump to speak at ‘distinct event’ before diploma awards

President Donald Trump said Monday night that he would speak at the University of Alabama’s spring commencement early next month, but university officials said Tuesday he is speaking at a separate event.

The president posted the announcement on Truth Social, his preferred social media platform.

“I have agreed to do the Commencement Address at two really GREAT places, the University of Alabama and, WEST POINT. Stay tuned for times and dates!!!” the post said.

The university has eight graduation ceremonies from May 2-4. The University of Alabama said in a statement Tuesday that Trump would deliver “a commencement address” at a ticketed, “distinct event” on May 1 that will be open to all Spring 2025 graduates.

“We look forward to celebrating our graduates throughout commencement weekend as we confer degrees to thousands of hardworking students who will go on to make a positive impact in the workforce and in communities across Alabama, our nation and the world,” Alex House, a spokesman for the university, wrote in an email.

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Alabama, an Alabama graduate, said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that she was looking forward to the address.

“What a tremendous honor for my alma mater. Looking forward to a historic occasion for graduates and their families,” the post said.

The announcement comes as the Trump administration has challenged the legal status of foreign students on college campuses around the nation. The Associated Press said that at least 1,024 students at 160 colleges, universities and university systems have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated since late March.

Officials with Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) detained Alireza Douroudi, an Alabama doctoral student from Iran, in March. Doroudi was denied bond last week, but the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not named any charges. Auburn said in a statement last week that 15 foreign students or personnel on its campus had their visas cancelled. 

Trump won 65% of Alabama’s vote in last November’s presidential election. His margin in Tuscaloosa County, the home of the University of Alabama, was about 60%. 

Updated at 2:04 p.m. with University of Alabama statement saying Trump would speak at an event on May 1.