President Donald Trump described the University of Alabama’s brand as “winning” as he spoke to members of the 2025 graduating class as part of a commencement event.
Trump made sure to note how Alabama men’s basketball factors into that winning, too.
“Last year the Crimson Chaos watched Tide hoops make it to the Final Four for the first time ever, and this year you built on your incredible record and returned to the Elite Eight,” Trump said. “Not only is Alabama a great football school, it’s now one of the nation’s best basketball schools. Congratulations.”
Coach Nate Oats has led the Crimson Tide to the NCAA Tournament each of the past five seasons. Each of the past three, Alabama has made at least the Sweet 16.
Trump spoke at Coleman Coliseum, where the Crimson Tide plays basketball, on Thursday night. He also visited Tuscaloosa during the 2024 football season for the Georgia game, after attending the 2019 LSU game at Bryant-Denny Stadium during his first te
“Everywhere you look you can see the fierce spirit of this school, but no where more clearly than in your world-class athletics,” Trump said. “There’s nothing like it. Probably there’s no school like it.”
Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for Follow him on X and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.