“Woe is me, why’s the media always keeping me down?” seemed to be a resounding theme of Trump’s commencement speech at the Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut on Wednesday.
A class of bright-eyed young men and women had invited their families to the joyous occasion, likely hoping to hear words of wisdom from the Commander-in-Chief. Instead, they had that:
“Never, ever, ever give up. Things will work out just fine. Look at the way I’ve been treated lately, especially by the media. No politician in history, and I say this with great surety, has been treated worse or more unfairly. You can’t let them get you down. You can’t let the critics and the naysayers get in the way of your dreams… I guess that’s why we won.”
The speech from President Trump was the first since reports came up he asked fired FBI Director James Comey to abandon the investigation of his former National Security Adviser, Michael Flynn.
Being that it was a graduation commencement speech, part of the President’s speech did follow the customary tradition of congratulating the graduates on their hard work. But Trump also took the opportunity to pat himself on the back.
“The people understand what I’m doing and that’s the most important thing”, he said. “I didn’t get elected to serve the Washington media or the special interests. I got elected to serve the forgotten men and women and that’s what I’m doing.”
The speech was rounded out with President Trump reminding everyone of how busy he has been. “I’ve accomplished a tremendous amount in a very short time as President.”
While many in the crowd seemed to enjoy Trump’s speech, applauding him at times, it was reported that some in attendance were overheard saying that his speech was self-centered and inappropriate.
The underlying theme of Trump’s speech that seemed to signal his grudge with the media was echoed upon his departure for Connecticut. Smiling and saluting military personnel, Trump declined to wave at the press as he boarded Air Force One.