Trump, Saban Celebrate Alabama Athletics at Commencement

At the University of Alabama's commencement, President Donald Trump delivered the keynote address, praising the school's athletic achievements and paying tribute to legendary football coach Nick Saban, who retired in January 2024. Saban introduced Trump with humor, calling himself the 'warm-up band,' before sharing a memorable story about a White House visit in which a player pressed a red button on Trump's desk, resulting in a Coca-Cola delivery, drawing laughter from the audience. Trump reminisced about the program's close ties with past presidents and acknowledged Saban's profound impact on Alabama football, jokingly calling for his return. He also expressed support for new head coach Kalen DeBoer, reassuring fans about the team's future. Trump's remarks not only celebrated Saban's legacy but also highlighted the school's broader athletic success, including recent achievements in basketball. The event underscored the enduring relationship between Alabama's athletic program and national figures.