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President Donald Trump took to the stage on Monday for his second inaugural address, painting a stark picture of the country he leads. He then shifted gears, addressing his supporters directly with a speech his aides had suggested he avoid—a lengthy discourse filled with complaints, dramatic gestures, and self-praise.
“I think this was a superior speech compared to the one I gave upstairs,” Trump remarked as he neared the end of his address. “You received the A-plus treatment.”
Barely an hour into his new term, Trump reiterated his claims about winning the 2016 election, dismissed the events of January 6, 2021, and took swipes at political rivals including Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, Liz Cheney, and Adam Kinzinger, whom he mockingly labeled as “a super-cryer. I’ve never seen him without tears.”
Although the familiar dynamics of Trump’s administration have returned, the tone remains anything but gentle. In fact, signs point to a more aggressive and confrontational agenda on the horizon.
When Trump first entered Washington eight years ago, he shocked the political establishment with a speech that became known as “American Carnage.” His latest address echoed that same angry, bleak sentiment, but without the polish that some had hoped would signal a more composed second term. The harsh tone clearly suggested that Trump’s new term would proceed without substantial limitations.
“From this moment on, America’s decline is over,” Trump declared in the scripted segment of his address while his predecessor looked on.
Nevertheless, Trump acknowledged that Vice President J.D. Vance and First Lady Melania Trump urged him to tone down the main address. However, after taking the oath and watching President Joe Biden depart the Capitol on his final flight aboard Marine One, Trump proceeded to the Capitol Visitors Center to deliver a more unfiltered version that resembled the disjointed performance from the previous night at a rally.
“They said, ‘Please don’t mention that right now. You can talk about it tomorrow.’ I said, ‘How about now?’” Trump remarked while revisiting his inaugural speech, alluding to potential pardons for those involved in the January 6 Capitol breach.
This closing segment was symbolic of a campaign season characterized by four indictments, one conviction, and two assassination attempts.
The anticipation surrounding Trump is intensifying. In recent coordinated statements, insiders have made it clear that a return to business as usual is unlikely following Monday’s noon hour.
“It’s goodbye, Joe Biden. Goodbye, Kamala Harris. Goodbye, Democrats. And hello to the golden age of America,” proclaimed Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, during a campaign rally the night before.
Read More: ‘He’s at the Apex of Power Now’: A Preview of Trump’s Second Term
At another point in the event, former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly took aim at celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Meryl Streep, and Oprah Winfrey.
“In America, we have the right to free speech; we can offend, provoke, annoy, and advocate for our beliefs, even if they are controversial,” she stated. “We should not be compelled to adopt the terminology you impose on us, including preferred pronouns or phrases like anti-racist or chest-beating.”
This combative attitude was evident throughout all the events welcoming Trump back. As crowds gathered in Washington, it became clear that much of the energized political movement was ready to seize its moment of authority. This fighting spirit could disrupt Washington in unpredictable ways.
Trump returned to office with promises to cut taxes, tackle inflation, lower prices, raise wages, and revive domestic manufacturing. On the global stage, he promised to end the war in Ukraine, stabilize the Middle East, and adopt a tougher stance against China. While some of these commitments have since been walked back, they were sufficient to rally voters in his favor over Kamala Harris, who was seated in the front row on Monday, observing her rival claim the victory she had sought while he pledged to plant a U.S. flag on Mars.
“This is what victory feels like,” declared Elon Musk, the world’s richest individual, at a rally following the official transfer of power on Monday afternoon. “I’m incredibly excited about the future.”
The theme of retribution was also prominent, especially regarding former health czar Anthony Fauci, who received a preemptive pardon from Biden in his final hours.
“I’ve never encountered anyone in prison who committed offenses as severe as those individuals,” commented former Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro, referring to Fauci and others. “It’s time for some accountability, perhaps.”
This assertive rhetoric originated from Trump himself, who rallied both his supporters and himself. “Here I am. The American people have made their choice,” he declared in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday.
Now, Americans are left eagerly anticipating how this narrative will evolve.
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