Content Advisory: This article discusses political speech, public remarks about cadets’ appearance, and online reaction to Donald Trump’s comments. Reader discretion is advised.
Donald Trump paused a Coast Guard commencement speech to make a strange joke about “good-looking men,” and it was not the first time he has used the line.
The president delivered remarks at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, on Wednesday, May 20, when he stopped to recognize several graduating cadets. What began as praise for their achievements quickly turned into another off-script Trump moment.
After calling one cadet to the stage, Trump shook his hand and exchanged a few private words with him. As the cadet walked away, Trump turned back to the crowd. “I hate good-looking men!” he said.
Trump Makes Strange ‘Good-Looking Men’ Comment
Trump appeared to be joking, but the line stood out because he has used similar remarks several times in recent months.
After praising the first cadet, Trump invited another graduate, Thomas Rooks, to the stage. Trump said Rooks had earned a perfect score on every fitness test for four straight years, which he suggested may have been an all-time record. The crowd erupted before Rooks even reached the stage.
“You know who this is already!” Trump said. “Wow, this guy must be something. I think we’ll have to invite him up. I want to check him out.” This made things weirder and more inappropriate.
As Rooks approached, Trump reacted again. “Wow!” he said. Then he joked, “We’re not gonna fight with him. I’m not fighting him. This is not UFC.”
Trump continued commenting on Rooks’ appearance after he reached the stage. “Look at this guy!” Trump said. “Look at the muscles on this guy!” He then claimed that hitting the cadet’s shoulder hurt his hand. “It’s like hitting a rock,” Trump said.
The moment drew laughter from the audience, but it also added to a pattern of recent Trump remarks about young or attractive men.
Trump Has Used Similar Line Before
Just last week, Trump made a similar joke while hosting the 2026 national football champions at the White House.
“He’s a good-looking guy. I don’t like good-looking people,” Trump said of one man standing behind him. “I don’t like good-looking men at all, believe me.”
In February, he made a similar comment during a meeting of his Board of Peace.
“It’s always nice to be young and handsome,” Trump said at the time. “It doesn’t mean we have to like you. I don’t like young, handsome men.”
At the Coast Guard Academy, the remark may have been intended as a throwaway joke. But because Trump has repeated the same bit several times, it is now becoming its own odd recurring routine.
