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Joanna Taylor
May 18, 2020
Scott Olson / Getty Images
People are imagining what a Trump graduation speech might sound like and absolutely nailing it.
#TrumpCommencementSpeech began trending on Twitter after former president Barack Obama addressed graduating students in two virtual speeches.
It is customary in the US for presidents and other public figures to offer advice to outgoing students at the end of the academic year - as well as digging into their own politics or personal philosophy.
During Obama's speeches, which were addressed to high school seniors and graduating students at historically black universities and colleges, he criticised the Trump administration for lacking "leadership" over the coronavirus pandemic and even made a Tiger King joke.
Trump, Obama, Bush and Clinton all made multiple commencement speeches whilst in office. The contrast between Trump's style of oration and that of other presidents has been the subject of satire before: in fact, an entire Trump mock commencement speech was delivered by Alec Baldwin on Saturday Night Live.
So what might a Trump commencement speech sound like if it were made today? Twitter had some ideas.
#TrumpCommencementSpeech Don’t worry about grades. Worry about being able to afford a lawyer who can make sure they’re never exposed.— Katt Funny (@Katt Funny) 1589724254
Testing is overrated. When you test, you have a grade. When you test, you find some students did not learn the mate… https://t.co/VtKp9LxLfy— Linda James (@Linda James) 1589725079
Believe me, a lot of people tell me I should be a professor here, or that I should be running the nuclear physical… https://t.co/Jp8SCX1ucF— Lance Gould (@Lance Gould) 1589724049
Some people took the opportunity to share their favourite political cartoons.
#TrumpCommencementSpeech wouldn't contain any complete sentences. https://t.co/p8nnaZmWew— Jen (@Jen) 1589725766
Others got uncomfortably real about the kind of advice Trump might give graduating students.
Listen, I'm here to tell that from personal experience that even if you file bankruptcy six times, can't read, or g… https://t.co/hWKNc7aJyx— A Black Woman..The End (@A Black Woman..The End) 1589726124
#TrumpCommencementSpeech It's never your fault. You can always blame someone. It's called the 'blame game'. If it… https://t.co/X2m74lHuXl— Jeff Dwoskin Has A Podcast (@Jeff Dwoskin Has A Podcast) 1589724187
Because he didn't exactly get to be a billionaire president on grift alone.
#TrumpCommencementSpeech Congratulations to the class of 2020. Your hard work and dedication got you here today, b… https://t.co/2uw6CWcjCW— I'm Just Dan (@I'm Just Dan) 1589724782
Trying to find the #TrumpCommencementSpeech online but the Trump U website says "Closed down by order of the FBI"— Alex Cole (@Alex Cole) 1589728891
One Twitter user questioned whether there'd be much appetite for a Trump commencement speech at all.
Due to lack of interest, the #TrumpCommencementSpeech has been canceled... https://t.co/Oy8x7cbIBz— Doyle ⚓️ (@Doyle ⚓️) 1589724626
But another pointed out that it would, at least, have its perks.
He got everyone a pen as a graduation gift #TrumpCommencementSpeech https://t.co/NhpyqBRYf2— Mister Race Bannon (@Mister Race Bannon) 1589726089
Obama's Commencement Speech vs the #TrumpCommencementSpeech https://t.co/oTEp0WYvZE— CK (@CK) 1589727012
The hastag was an opportunity to rake over a few highlights from Trump's career.
#TrumpCommencementSpeech Surround yourself with the best people, then be sure to visit them in prison https://t.co/mb0IXmDGFv— Dan Gerous, Inc.🐷🍻 (@Dan Gerous, Inc.🐷🍻) 1589724534
#TrumpCommencementSpeech Grab life by the p*ssy!— Katt Funny (@Katt Funny) 1589724311
Unfortunately, due to bone spurs, the President is unable to be here today. #TrumpCommencementSpeech— John Lane (@John Lane) 1589725308
Not to mention his unique coronavirus advice.
"So where's the Clorox kegger going to be tonight?" #TrumpCommencementSpeech— Craig Rozniecki (@Craig Rozniecki) 1589755510
#TrumpCommencementSpeech sponsored by the refreshing drink of Clorox https://t.co/MlBIM9A0IX— rethe craig (@rethe craig) 1589727678
Trump isn't known as a master speechmaker.
“I know words. I have the best words” https://t.co/Go3wBQJTAV #TrumpCommencementSpeech— TopTrevor (@TopTrevor) 1589732245
Perhaps it's best to leave the commencement speeches to Obama.