State leaders react following President Donald Trump's University of Alabama commencement speech
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — Several of Alabama's leaders were recognized tonight in President Donald Trump's commencement speech at the University of Alabama. They said the President's remarks meant a great deal to the state of Alabama.
'You have the most powerful man in the world who made it a priority to come and speak to young people in the state of Alabama. It's an honor for the state, it's an honor for the university, and it's an honor for every single student,' said John Wahl, chairman of the Alabama Republican Party.
Lawmakers also showed their support for the president. Rep. Mack Butler (R-Rainbow City) said his address was a message of support for young people in Alabama.
'I think it was incredible that he came to honor our state, honor our people, and honor our most precious resource- which is our young people,' he said. 'And he spoke a message tonight of faith, hard work, and he paid a tribute to his dad and his dad's hard work. And I think it shows his love of our state and recognizes the resource we have here in Alabama.'
Rep. Mark Gidley (R-Hokes Bluff) said that love for the state has helped when it comes to passing state laws.
'This year, I carried a bill along with Senator Keith Kelley about putting the Ten Commandments back in our schools,' he explained. 'Those kinds of things, so, those are important things for Donald Trump, and those are important things for the people of Alabama. And I think that having that support from the federal level is helping us to make sure we can do that on the state level.'
Gov. Kay Ivey said tonight will be memorable for graduates and their family members at the University of Alabama.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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