President Trump mixes commencement address with political rally

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – President Donald Trump announced a shake-up in his national security team then, just hours later, took the stage in Tuscaloosa to deliver a commencement address at the University of Alabama.

At the University of Alabama, President Trump offered advice to the class of 2025 before turning his commencement address into a political rally.

“You’re the first graduating class of the Golden Age of America,” said Trump.

The president drew one of his biggest reactions when he reaffirmed his position on transgender athletes in women’s sports. 

“Men will not play in women’s sports,” said Trump.

WATCH PRESIDENT TRUMP’S FULL COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS BELOW:

The speech comes against a backdrop of high-stakes changes in Washington. 

Earlier in the day, Trump announced that National Security Adviser Mike Waltz is leaving his role but will be nominated as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

“Extremely excited. The fact that he’s getting appointed to be an ambassador. You and I think that’s a great fit for him,” said Sen. Markwayne Mullins (R-Okla.).

The shakeup comes weeks after Waltz mistakenly added a journalist on a messaging app group chat with top-ranking officials who discussed a military operation in the Middle East.

“I worry again, you know, that this administration doesn’t seem to understand the reasons why we have classified information and lives are at stake,” said Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.).

The White House has not said when Waltz will officially step down, or when a confirmation hearing might take place.