Conan O'Brien inspires grads, rips Trump administration at 2026 Harvard commencement

Conan O’Brien delivered a 25-minute inspirational commencement speech at Harvard, using self-deprecating humor, humility, and pointed commentary. He referenced his Harvard background, noting he graduated in 1985 with a degree in history and literature, and he had addressed Harvard students previously through Class Day in 2000 and a virtual commencement in 2020. Harvard Provost John Manning presented him with an honorary doctorate and an ironic title tied to late-night television. Manning recounted a story from O’Brien’s father, an infectious-disease expert, who joked that comedy should be treated medically. O’Brien opened by joking about Harvard’s plan to combat grade inflation by limiting A’s, then shifted to remarks that included shots at the Trump administration.

"O’Brien, who graduated from Harvard in 1985 with a degree in history and literature, was addressing a group of impending Harvard grads for the third time. Prior to Thursday's ceremony, O'Brien delivered the school's Class Day speech in 2000 and gave a virtual commencement address during the height of the pandemic in 2020. Beofre his remarks, O'Brien was given an honorary doctorate by Harvard Provost John Manning."

"In an ironic nod to both O'Brien's lack of athletic prowess and his late-night TV counterpart, Manning also bestowed the comedian with the title of "Harvard's own honorary late-night Letterman." "The son of a distinguished Boston lawyer and an eminent Harvard professor of medicine, [Conan] recalls that his father, an expert in infectious diseases, once offered a diagnosis of his son's career in comedy," Manning said. "'Oh, I see,' his father said. 'You are making a living off of something that probably should be treated.'""

"O'Brien began his speech by poking fun at Harvard President Alan Garber for the school's recent announcement that it would be combatting grade inflation by limiting the number of A's given to students. "I want to thank President Garber for his incredible stewardship of this graduating class," O'Brien said. "Fantastic job, sir. Really nice. Normally, I would give you an A-plus, but in keeping with upcoming H"

"O'Brien struck an inspirational tone while addressing graduates at the 2026 Harvard commencement ceremony on Thursday, delivering a 25-minute speech suffused with the comedian's self-deprecating humor, sprinkled with shots at the Trump Administration, and rounded out by a message of humility and openness."

Read at Boston.com