Alabama Students, Alum Threaten to Boycott as Trump Announces Commencement Speech: 'When He Starts Talking, Get Up and Walk Out'

Students and alumni of the University of Alabama are threatening to boycott the school's spring commencement ceremonies after President Donald Trump announced he would deliver the graduation speech.

On Monday, Trump announced that he will give commencement addresses at both the University of Alabama and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point this spring, USA Today reported.

The University of Alabama's ceremonies are scheduled for May 3 and 4, while West Point's is set for May 24. It's tradition for presidents to speak at military academies' graduations, and Trump previously addressed West Point in 2020.

However, his appearance at the University of Alabama, a deeply conservative stronghold, stirred strong emotions. Backlash was swift and widespread online, with University of Alabama students and alumni voicing outrage over Trump's involvement in their graduation ceremonies.

Many took to social media, calling for boycotts and walkouts. One X user posted, "This makes me want to skip my own graduation," while another urged attendees on TikTok to "get up and walk out" when Trump begins speaking.

Even some parents of graduating students have stated they will no longer attend the ceremonies in protest.

"Why would they do this ? My son is graduating too. He is not going," @msladyesquire said on TikTok.

The University of Alabama has not issued a statement addressing the public pushback, nor has it indicated any change in the commencement plans. As of now, Trump is still expected to speak at both ceremonies.