Full Breakdown
Donald Trump’s Selective Commencement Appearances and the Revocation of Honorary Degrees
5/29/2026, 5:41:25 AM
Core Event: Targeted Commencement Appearances and Degree Stripping
President Donald Trump has limited his commencement speeches to the United States Coast Guard Academy, the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy. The only non-military institutions where he spoke during both terms were Liberty University (2017) and the University of Alabama (2025), each occurring shortly after his inauguration. In addition, Lehigh University (1988) and Wagner College (2004) awarded him honorary doctorates, both of which were later rescinded. A Scottish university also withdrew its honorary degree, leaving only the two honors from Liberty University.
Background & Context: Presidential Commencement Traditions and Trump’s Strategy
Since the era of Theodore Roosevelt, U.S. presidents have traditionally delivered commencement addresses at a variety of civilian colleges and universities. According to MS NOW, Trump’s pattern diverges from this norm, favoring venues that present limited risk of public challenge and that align with his political base.
Key Figures & Groups
- President Donald Trump – former president and primary speaker.
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy, West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy – military institutions hosting his speeches.
- Liberty University – private evangelical college that hosted a 2017 address and retains two honorary degrees for Trump.
- University of Alabama – public university in a state that gave Trump high electoral margins, hosted a 2025 address.
- Lehigh University and Wagner College – institutions that previously awarded and later revoked honorary doctorates.
- Unnamed Scottish university – withdrew its honorary degree.
Data & Statistics
- Military academies spoken at: 4 (Coast Guard, West Point, Naval, Air Force).
- Non-military commencement venues: 2 (Liberty University, University of Alabama).
- Honorary degrees awarded: 3 (Lehigh University, Wagner College, Liberty University).
- Honorary degrees revoked: 2 (Lehigh University, Wagner College) plus 1 from a Scottish university.
Why It Matters: Implications for Political Communication and Academic Endorsement
The concentration of speeches at military academies suggests a strategic preference for environments perceived as “safe spaces” for the commander-in-chief, reducing exposure to critical questioning. The revocation of honorary degrees signals institutional repudiation of Trump’s conduct, potentially influencing public perception of academic endorsement of political figures.
Official Statements & Responses
Lehigh University and Wagner College each issued announcements confirming the removal of Trump’s honorary doctorates. The Scottish university released a statement withdrawing its honorary degree. Liberty University has not announced any change to its two existing honors.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts cited by MS NOW argue that Trump “avoids going into situations where he might be publicly challenged” and selects venues that reinforce his image without substantive scrutiny. Critics view the degree revocations as corrective actions by academic institutions distancing themselves from his controversial legacy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The source notes a planned 2025 commencement address at the University of Alabama, a future event not yet verifiable. Additionally, the reliability rating of the source (36.15) is low, indicating limited corroboration for some claims.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Since Teddy Roosevelt, American presidents have regularly given commencement addresses at this time of year. … But setting aside the substance of the speeches, the locations themselves are telling — and that is especially true for President Donald Trump,” — MS NOW
- “… [T]the only nonmilitary colleges at which Trump has given commencement addresses in both of his terms were the private, evangelical Liberty University in 2017 and the University of Alabama in 2025, both just months after taking office,” — MS NOW
- “ Trump avoids going into situations where he might be publicly challenged, reports MS NOW.” — MS NOW
- “For the commander in chief, military academies are the ultimate safe space.” — MS NOW
- “In 1988, when he was known as a high-flying New York real estate developer, Trump gave a graduation speech at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, receiving an honorary doctor of laws degree as part of the custom.” — MS NOW
- “And a Scottish university had pulled its own honorary degree — leaving Trump two honors awarded by Liberty University.” — MS NOW
What’s Next: Future Engagements and Potential Degree Reviews
Given the established pattern, future commencement appearances are likely to remain within military academies. Academic bodies may continue reviewing honorary recognitions, especially as public and institutional scrutiny of Trump’s legacy persists.
