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Donald Trump vowed to act with “historic speed and force” to end “American decline” as he addressed a crowd of cheering supporters in Washington DC on the eve of his return home White.
“Tomorrow at noon the curtain rises 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 the thousands gathered at Capital One Arena of the city.
“I will act with historic speed and force and resolve every crisis facing our country. »
The speech marked the first time Trump addressed a crowd in Washington since the January 6, 2021 riots, when his supporters stormed the Capitol building in an unsuccessful attempt to overturn Joe Biden’s election to the presidency.
It repeats many of the dark themes of the campaign that won him a second term in November, from open borders to endemic crime to the indoctrination of the radical left, while foreshadowing a wave of executive orders after his inauguration Monday.
“Every sweeping and senseless executive order from the Biden administration will be repealed within hours of taking office,” he promised to applause.
He committed decrees deport undocumented immigrants, deregulate oil and gas production, pardon January 6 rioters, and roll back diversity initiatives. He promised to declassify files on the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert and civil rights leader Martin Luther King.
Unlike the events of four years ago, the mood among Maga’s faithful on Sunday was one of jubilation as they prepared for what they hoped would be sweeping change in America during his second term.
“I’m here to see something historic,” said Anthony Tellier, 24, a student from Long Island, who said free speech has been curtailed under Biden’s presidency.
“My biggest problem over the last four years. . . it’s that if you say anything that leans even slightly to the right, you’re considered an outcast,” he said. “Trump will bring a more open discourse.”
Thousands of Trump supporters braved sleet and freezing temperatures in the US capital to attend the “victory rally”. Trump called them “the greatest political movement in American history.”
The enthusiasm in the crowd was palpable. Many had spent hours waiting in line outside the hockey and basketball stadium 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 Braunsfels, Texas. “I think we’re made of good things and I think we have something to defend. And we don’t need to feel bad about ourselves. We must be proud, strong and good.
“I want to see an America worthy of Davy Crockett and the legends of the log cabins we grew up on,” he added, referring to the Texas pioneer.
Before Trump’s speech, singer Kid Rock and actor Jon Voight were among the celebrities who fired up the crowd, many of whom were dressed in red “Make America Great Again” baseball caps.
Some present were locals. Alice Turner of Alexandria, Virginia, had signed up to volunteer at the event to “give back” to the president and hoped he would quickly roll out his agenda on everything from immigration to the economy.
“I’m just looking for justice. I want the border closed, better security and the J-Sixers to come out,” she said, referring to the January 6 riots.
But others had come from much further away. Paula Park traveled with friends from Smithville, in the Canadian province of Ontario, to show her support for Trump – who has suggested Canada be absorbed as the 51st US province.
“We hope that President Trump will push (Canadian Prime Minister) Justin Trudeau to the limit so that we can become as great as America,” Park, 61, said.