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Donald Trump vowed to act with “historic speed and strength” to end “American decline” as he addressed a cheering crowd of supporters in Washington DC on the eve of his return to the White House.
“Tomorrow at noon the curtain closes on America’s four long years of decline and we begin a brand new day of American strength and prosperity, dignity and pride,” Trump told thousands gathered at the city’s Capital One Arena.
“I will act with historic speed and strength and resolve every crisis facing our country.”
The speech marked Trump’s first public address in Washington since the January 6, 2021 riots, when his supporters stormed the Capitol building in a failed attempt to overturn the election of Joe Biden as president.
It echoed many of the dark campaign themes that won him a second term in office in November, from open borders to rampant crime to radical leftist tendencies, as well as predicting a storm of executive orders following his inauguration on Monday.
“Every radical and idiotic executive order of the Biden administration will be rescinded within an hour of me taking office,” he promised to cheers.
He promised executive order to deport undocumented immigrants, deregulate oil and gas production, pardon the January 6 rioters, and roll back diversity initiatives. He promised to release records of the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King.
Unlike four years ago, the mood among the Maga faithful on Sunday was jubilant as they hoped for a sweeping change in America during his second term.
“I’m here to see something historic,” said Anthony Tellier, a 24-year-old student from Long Island, who said free speech had been curtailed under Biden’s presidency.
“My biggest problem in the last four years. . . If you say anything that leans even slightly to the right, you will be seen as a pariah,” he said. “Trump Will Bring More Open Speech.”
Thousands of Trump supporters braved freezing and freezing temperatures in the US capital to attend a “victory rally”. Trump hailed them as “the greatest political movement in American history.”
The excitement that rippled through the crowd was palpable. Many spent hours lining up outside hockey and basketball stadiums as vendors sold Maga merchandise and Trump paraphernalia.
“I’m here to make America great again and do my part,” said Andrew Gardiner, a 44-year-old defense contractor from New Braunfels, Texas. “I think we’re made of good stuff and I think we’ve got some work to do. And we don’t need to feel bad for ourselves. We have to be proud and strong and good.”
“I want to see America worthy of Davy Crockett and the log cabin legends we grew up on,” he added, referring to the Texas frontiersman.
Before Trump’s speech, singer Kid Rock and actor Jon Voight were among the celebrities who fired up the crowd, many of whom wore red “Make America Great Again” baseball caps.
Some locals were present. Alice Turner, from Alexandria, Virginia, signed up to volunteer at the event to “give back” the president and hoped he would quickly lay out his agenda on everything from immigration to the economy.
“I’m just looking for justice. I’m looking for the border to be closed, better security and the J-Sixers to come out,” he said, referring to the January 6 riots.
But others came from far away. Paula Park traveled with friends from Smithville, Ontario, Canada, to show her support for Trump – who has suggested Canada should be absorbed as the 51st US province.
“We’re hoping that President Trump will press on [Canadian Prime Minister] Justin Trudeau is over the edge so we can be great like America,” said Park, 61.
