Trump: No Politician In History Has Been Treated Worse Or More Unfairly
NEW LONDON, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) — President Donald Trump is offering his advice to graduates of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
During his commencement address Wednesday, Trump told the graduates that "no politician in history" has been treated worse than him, but added "you can't let them get you down."
"Over the course of your life you will find that things are not always fair, you will find that things happen to you that you do not deserve and that are not always warranted but you have to put your head down and fight, fight, fight," Trump told the cadets during the ceremony in New London, Connecticut. "Never, ever, ever give up. Things will work out just fine."
PHOTOS: Trump Gives Commencement Address At Coast Guard Academy
"Look at the way I've been treated lately, especially by the media, no politician in history... has been treated worse or more unfairly, you can't let them get you down, you can't let the critics and the naysayers get in the way of your dreams," he added.
"Adversity makes you stronger, don't give in, don't back down and never stop doing what you know is right. Nothing worth doing ever, ever, ever came easy and the more righteous your fight, the more opposition that you will face."
The president's appearance Wednesday comes amid reports that Trump personally appealed to now-fired FBI Director James Comey to abandon the investigation into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.
The allegations are based on notes Comey wrote after he met with Trump earlier this year. Associates shared the contents of Comey's notes with the media.
The White House has denied the reports.
Trump made no mention of Comey in his speech.
Each year, the president delivers the commencement address at one of the U.S. military service academies.
"These fine young cadets are about to take their rightful place on the frontline of defense for the United States of America," Trump said. "Cadets, you deserve not only the congratulations but the gratitude of each and every American and we all salute you, a proud nation."
Cadets at the academy pursue a four-year program for a bachelor of science degree. They pay no tuition and are required to serve in the Coast Guard for five years following graduation.
"You chose the path of service, you chose hard work, high standards and a very noble mission to save lives, defend the homeland and protect America's interests around the world," Trump said. "You chose the Coast Guard, good choice."
The speech is Trump's second time addressing graduates during commencement season this year.
On Saturday, he delivered a 30-minute speech at Virginia's Liberty University, where he urged the more than 18,000 graduates to follow their convictions, prepare to face criticism and relish the opportunity to be an "outsider."
Trump was the first sitting president to speak at Liberty's commencement since George H.W. Bush spoke in 1990.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
