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Donald Trump vowed to act with “historic speed and force” to end “American decay” as he addressed a cheering crowd of supporters in Washington ahead of his return to the White House.
“Tomorrow at noon the curtain comes down on four long years of American decline and we begin a brand new day of American strength and prosperity and dignity and pride,” Trump told thousands gathered at the city’s Capital One Arena. “I will act with historic speed and force to resolve every crisis facing our country.”
Speech marked TrumpHe is addressing a crowd in Washington for the first time since riots on January 6, 2021, when his supporters stormed the Capitol building in a failed attempt to overturn the election of Joe Biden for president.
He rehashed many of the dark campaign themes that won him a second term, touching on open borders, rampant crime and radical leftist indoctrination, as well as hinting at a series of executive orders after his inauguration on Monday.
“Every radical and stupid executive order of the Biden administration will be rescinded within hours of me taking office,” Trump promised with gusto.
He promised executive orders to deport immigrants, deregulate oil and gas production, pardon the Jan. 6 rebels, limit the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports and roll back diversity initiatives.
Trump also promised to declassify records on the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
In contrast to the events of four years ago, the mood among the Magi faithful on Sunday was one of joy as they prepared for what they hoped would be sweeping change in America during Trump’s second term.
“I was very impressed with the plans he has, especially that he wants to sign 100 executive orders on the first day,” said Elizabeth Nottingham, a 59-year-old energy consultant who flew from Oklahoma to Washington. “I think it will be very important.”
She said the speech reinforced her optimism that Trump’s return to the White House would be a boon for ordinary Americans. “We are not the best 1 percent in society. We are small business owners. . . and so I am now confident that President Donald Trump will keep those taxes low and do the things necessary to help the economy,” she said.
Nottingham was among thousands of Trump supporters who traveled from across the county, braving sleet, snow and freezing temperatures in the US capital, to attend Sunday’s “victory rally”.
“I’m here to see something historic,” said Anthony Tellier, a 24-year-old student from Long Island who said free speech has been limited during the Biden presidency. “My biggest problem in the last four years. . . if you say anything that leans even slightly to the right, you’re seen as a pariah. Trump will bring a more open discourse.”
In a broad speech typical of his campaign rallies, Trump took credit restoring TikTokfreeing Israeli hostages in Gaza and boosting the stock market before he even took office.
He also said that Apple boss Tim Cook told him on Sunday that the tech group would make “huge investments in the United States” as a result of his victory.
“We accomplished more without being president than they accomplished in the four years we were president,” Trump told the crowd. “Just imagine all the good things we’ll accomplish together with four more years in the White House.”
Many spent hours waiting in line outside the hockey and basketball arenas 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 entrepreneur from New Braunfels, Texas. “I think we are made of good stuff and I think we have something to stand for. And we shouldn’t feel bad about ourselves. We must be proud, strong and good.”
Before Trump’s address, musician Kid Rock, Ultimate Fighting Championship boss Dana White and actor Jon Voight were among the celebrities who fired up the crowd, many wearing red baseball caps emblazoned with the words “Make America Great Again.”
Alice Turner of Alexandria, Virginia, said she signed up to volunteer at the event to “give back” to the president and hope he moves quickly on his agenda on everything from immigration to the economy.
“I’m just looking for justice. I am asking for the border to be closed, for better security and for the J-Sixers to come out,” she said, referring to the rebels on January 6. “I just really hope so.”
