Donald Trump used a university commencement speech in Alabama to return to a familiar rally routine — mocking transgender athletes — while revealing that even Melania Trump finds the bit unbecoming.
Speaking before a crowd of 3,000 students and families at the University of Alabama’s Coleman Coliseum, Trump was greeted with chants of “USA! USA!” as he slowly walked to the podium. Once there, he praised the graduates, calling them the “greatest generation” and celebrating what he described as the “golden age of America.”
But rather than focus on words of encouragement or academic achievement, the former president delivered a grievance-laden speech that blended culture war talking points with partisan jabs. As has become routine in his public appearances, Trump mocked transgender women, specifically those competing in women’s sports, in a performance met with roaring approval from the crowd.
The Trans Weightlifter Bit — Again
Trump once again revived his oft-used anecdote about a weightlifting competition, where a cisgender woman struggles to lift a barbell before a transgender woman supposedly steps in and completes the lift with ease. The story’s details often change and lack clear attribution, but many believe it references Laurel Hubbard, a trans Olympic weightlifter who competed in the Tokyo 2021 Games.
“Should I imitate him?” Trump asked the audience. “My wife gets very upset when I do this. She says, ‘Darling, it’s not presidential.’ I say, ‘Yeah, but people like it.’”
As the audience encouraged him — “Do it!” people shouted — Trump shrugged off the supposed disapproval from Melania:
“All right, I’m in trouble when I get home, but that’s OK, what the hell. I’ve been in lots of trouble before.”
He then launched into a dramatic impersonation of a struggling female weightlifter, groaning and pretending to strain with the imaginary barbell. The bit ended with the “trans competitor” lifting it effortlessly.
“It’s insane,” Trump declared, as the crowd cheered.
Mockery Over Inspiration
Although the speech was delivered at a university commencement, Trump’s tone remained combative rather than uplifting. He used the platform to attack political rivals, vilify immigrants, and ridicule transgender Americans, a tactic he’s repeatedly used to energise his conservative base.
Trump secured 64% of the vote in Alabama in the last election and continues to lean into these divisive cultural issues, despite growing criticism from civil rights groups.
Comedic Reactions
The bit has become so infamous that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel lampooned it during last year’s campaign season, compiling Trump’s exaggerated groans into a comedic montage.
“Melania’s a lucky lady, isn’t she?” Kimmel quipped, referring to the routine’s absurd theatrics.
