Trump Makes Repeated Comments on Graduates' Appearances During Coast Guard Academy Commencement

President Trump delivered the commencement address at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut on Wednesday, May 20, marking his second time speaking at the institution's graduation ceremony—he previously addressed graduates there in 2017.

Throughout his remarks, the 79-year-old president drew attention to several male graduates, inviting them onstage and commenting on their physical appearance. When one graduate approached the podium, Trump remarked, "I want to check him out."

"Get up here. I want to see this guy," Trump said to one of the graduates. After shaking his hand, he stated, "I hate good-looking men."

Trump highlighted another cadet who had earned a perfect score on every fitness test. "This guy must be something. I think we'll have to invite him up. I want to check it out," he said. As the man walked to the stage, Trump continued his commentary: "I want to check him out. Woah. We're not going to fight with him. I'm not fighting him. This is not UFC. Please understand that, Thomas. Look at this guy. Look at the muscles on this guy."

He added a humorous aside about the encounter: "I just hit him on the shoulder, I hurt my hand. It's like hitting a rock."

Trump also invited a female graduate onstage, noting, "If I didn't invite her up, they'd accuse me of discrimination," according to reporting from The New York Times.

The president has a well-documented history of commenting on people's physical appearances. He has referred to female reporters using terms like "ugly" and "piggy"—comments the White House characterized as reflective of Trump's candor.

In April, Trump alluded to Vice President JD Vance's weight during an Easter luncheon at the White House, saying he had been "looking for a heavyset gentleman" before noting that Vance had "got a little thinner" and now represented "a perfect-looking specimen."

During a March interview with Fox News host Dana Perino, Trump complimented her appearance while acknowledging the potential consequences of such remarks. "You haven't changed. You have not changed. I'm not allowed to say this… It's the end of my political career. But you may be even better looking," he said. He continued, "You're not allowed to say a woman is beautiful anymore. You know that Jesse [Watters]? You have to be careful."

Earlier this year, Trump generated viral attention after asking whether he could defeat a famous musician who is also a martial arts champion in a physical altercation.