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Donald Trump promised to act “with the speed and power of history” to end “America's 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 four years of American decline and we begin a new day of American strength and prosperity, dignity and pride,” Trump told thousands of people gathered at the capital's Capital One Arena.
“I will work with the speed and power of history and solve all the problems facing our country.”
The speech marked Trump's first time addressing a crowd in Washington since the January 6, 2021 protests, when his supporters stormed the Capitol building for failing to overturn the election of Joe Biden for president.
It also brought back many themes of the dark campaign that won him a second term in office in November, from open borders to rampant crime to far-left education, and predicted a flurry of executive orders after his inauguration on Monday.
“Every strict and stupid executive order of the Biden administration will be repealed within hours of me taking office,” he promised excitedly.
He promised executive orders deporting undocumented immigrants, canceling oil and gas production, pardoning the January 6 protesters and rolling back separatist efforts. He promised to reveal the accounts of the assassination of President John F Kennedy, his brother Robert and civil rights leader Martin Luther King.
In contrast to the events of four years ago, the mood among the Maga faithful on Sunday was upbeat as they faced what they hoped would be major changes 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 the Biden presidency.
“My biggest problem in the last four years . . . “If you say anything that leans a little to the right, you're viewed as a woman,” she said. “Trump will bring a more open discourse.”
Thousands of Trump supporters braved snow 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 in the crowd was palpable. Many spent hours peeking outside the hockey and basketball arenas as vendors sold Maga items and Trump items.
“I'm here to make America great again and do my part,” said Andrew Gardiner, a 44-year-old contractor from New Braunsfels, Texas. “I think we are made of good stuff and I think we have something to stand for. And we don't need to feel bad about ourselves. We should be proud and strong and good. “
“I want to see an America worthy of Davy Crockett and the closet legends we were raised with,” he added, referring to the Texas border.
Before Trump's speech, singer Kid Rock and actor Jon Voight were among the celebrities who shot the crowd, many of whom wore red “Make America Great Again” baseball caps.
Others present were local people. 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 am 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 protesters.
But some came from far away places. Paula Park traveled with friends from Smithville in the Canadian province of Ontario to show her support for Trump – who suggested that Canada should be considered the 51st US province.
“We hope that President Trump will push (Canadian Prime Minister) Justin Trudeau over the edge so that we can be as great as America,” Park, 61, said.