NEW LONDON, Conn. (WFSB) - President Donald Trump will deliver the commencement speech at the Coast Guard Academy on Wednesday morning, his first visit to Connecticut since his re-election.

WFSB is carrying extended coverage of Trump’s trip and address on WFSB+.

Air Force One landed at Groton-New London Airport shortly before 11 a.m. Trump stepped off it a short time afterward and his motorcade headed to the academy.

Cadets walked out for the commencement ceremony at 11 a.m.

A Channel 3 crew estimated about 200 protesters lined up not far from the Coast Guard Academy. They hoped the president’s motorcade would drive by.

Many carried signs demanding the release of the Epstein files or and end to the Iran conflict.

Groton police announced that Poquonnock Road, Rainville Avenue, and Clarence B Sharp Highway would be impacted in their city.

A dozen roads are blocked off in New London. No parking signs are posted throughout the city.

For real-time traffic updates, check the Channel 3 First Alert traffic map here.

Security is heightened with police presence throughout the area.

New London Mayor Michael Passero said the presidential visit is special.

“It’s special on the year the president comes,” Passero said.

Drivers were advised to allow extra time to navigate road closures.

The last president to give the keynote address at the Coast Guard Academy commencement was President Joe Biden in 2021. Trump previously delivered the commencement speech in 2017.

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