
Donald Trump was inaugurated for a momentous second term as president on Monday, vowing to implement a series of immediate directives concerning immigration and the cultural conflicts in the United States, marking the culmination of his remarkable resurgence.
With one hand raised and the other resting on a Bible presented to him by his mother, the 47th president of the United States earnestly recited the oath of office beneath the grand Rotunda of the US Capitol.
Key points from the speech
- Proclaims the commencement of a “golden age” for the United States.
- Designates January 20, 2025, as “Liberation Day.”
- Announces the initiation of a “complete restoration of America and a revolution of common sense.”
- Indicates plans to declare a “national emergency” at the southern border.
- Proclaims a “national energy emergency.”
- Affirms a commitment to extensive fossil fuel extraction with the phrase, “We will drill baby, drill you.”
- Commits to reinstating free speech in the United States.
- States that the official policy of the U.S. government recognizes only two genders: male and female.
- Promises to establish the “strongest military the world has ever seen.”
- Mentions that servicemen discharged due to objections to the Covid vaccine will be reinstated.
- Expresses the intention for his legacy to be that of a “peacemaker and unifier.”
- Announces plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and to reclaim the Panama Canal, while not addressing Greenland.
- States that the U.S. flag will be planted on Mars.
Commencing his address, Trump expressed gratitude towards his predecessors and Vice President Kamala Harris, declaring, “The golden age of America commences at this moment.”
He asserted that the United States would once again thrive and gain respect globally from this point forward.
Trump emphasized that the nation would not permit itself to be exploited, stating, “Throughout each day of the Trump administration, I will unequivocally prioritize America.”
He asserted that his administration would “reclaim” the sovereignty of the United States, enhance safety, and “rebalance” the scales of justice.
Trump emphasized that his “top priority” was to establish a free, proud, and prosperous nation. He proclaimed, “America will soon be greater, stronger, and far more exceptional than ever before.”
He expressed his return to the presidency with confidence and optimism, stating that “we are at the beginning of an exhilarating new era of national success.” He added that a “tide of change is sweeping the country, and sunlight is illuminating the entire world, providing America with an unprecedented opportunity to seize this moment.”
Trump acknowledged the “plentiful” challenges his administration would face but asserted that they would be “overcome by the tremendous momentum currently evident in the United States.”
In a critical tone, he remarked: “Our government is facing a crisis of trust. For many years, a radical and corrupt establishment has siphoned power and wealth from our citizens while the foundations of our society remain fractured and seemingly in total disarray.”
He criticized the previous administration for its inability to safeguard American citizens while simultaneously offering refuge and protection to dangerous criminals who have unlawfully entered the country from various parts of the globe.
Trump expressed discontent with the U.S. public health system for its failure to perform effectively during crises, despite continuing to utilize resources, and similarly criticized the education system.
“Effective change will commence today,” he declared.
He characterized his reelection as a “mandate to entirely and unequivocally rectify a grievous betrayal … and to restore to the people their faith, wealth, democracy, and indeed their freedom.”
Trump asserted: “From this point forward, the decline of America is at an end.”
He remarked that over the last eight years, “I have faced more tests and challenges than any president in our 250-year history, and I have gained significant insights throughout this journey.”
Reflecting on the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, Trump stated: “I was saved by God to restore greatness to America,” which elicited a standing ovation from the audience.
He proclaimed that his administration, composed of “American patriots,” would deliver hope, prosperity, and safety to citizens of every “race, religion, color, and creed.” “January 20th, 2025, will be known as Liberation Day,” he added.
In honoring his supporters from the African-American and Hispanic communities, he remarked: “National unity is once again on the rise in America.”
Trump announced his intention to declare a “national emergency” at the southern border, asserting that all illegal entries would be halted and initiating the process of repatriating “millions of criminal aliens” to their countries of origin.
He indicated plans to reinstate the “remain in Mexico” policy and to terminate the “catch and release” practice. “I will deploy troops to the southern border to counter the catastrophic invasion of our nation,” he stated, further noting that drug cartels would be classified as foreign terrorist organizations.
On economic matters, he remarked, “I will instruct all members of my cabinet to utilize the extensive powers at their disposal to combat the unprecedented inflation and swiftly reduce costs and prices. The inflation crisis has been driven by excessive government spending and rising energy prices, which is why I will also declare a national energy emergency today.”
He elaborated, stating, “We will reduce prices, replenish our strategic reserves to their maximum capacity, and export American energy globally. Our nation will regain its wealth, and it is the valuable resources beneath our land that will facilitate this. Through my actions today, we will terminate the Green New Deal and rescind the electric vehicle mandate, thereby safeguarding our automotive industry and honoring my commitment to our esteemed American auto workers.”
Trump asserted that rather than imposing taxes on American citizens, his administration would implement tariffs and tax foreign nations.
“To achieve this, we are creating an external revenue service tasked with collecting all tariffs, duties, and revenues, which will result in substantial funds flowing into our treasury from international sources. The American dream will soon be revitalized and flourishing as never before, restoring competence and efficiency to our federal government.”
On the topic of free speech and censorship, he remarked that “after years of unlawful and unconstitutional federal attempts to limit free expression,” he would enact an executive order to immediately halt all government censorship and restore free speech in the United States.
In relation to his social policies, he expressed his intention to reinstate service members who were discharged from the military due to their objections to the Covid-19 vaccine mandate.
“I will issue an order to prevent our service members from being subjected to extreme political ideologies and social experiments while on duty; this will cease immediately. Our armed forces will be empowered to concentrate solely on their primary mission: defeating America’s adversaries.”
He pledged to establish “the strongest military the world has ever known.”
Trump stated that his administration would gauge its success “not only by the battles we win but also by the wars we conclude, and perhaps most significantly, the wars we avoid.”
“My legacy will be that of a peacemaker and a unifier. That is my aspiration—to be a peacemaker and a unifier. I am pleased to announce that as of yesterday, just one day before I took office, hostages in the Middle East are returning to their families.”
On the subject of foreign policy, Trump declared that the Gulf of Mexico would be renamed the Gulf of America and that the Panama Canal would be reclaimed.
“We will pursue our manifest destiny into the cosmos, launching American astronauts to plant the stars and stripes on the surface of Mars.”
Reflecting on his political resurgence, Trump remarked: “Many believed it was impossible for me to orchestrate such a remarkable political comeback. Yet, as you can see today, here I am; the American people have spoken. I stand before you now as evidence that one should never assume that anything is impossible in America. The impossible is what we excel at”.