On the eve of his second inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump took to the stage at Capital One Arena on Sunday to rally his supporters, offering a glimpse of what his second term will look like. The event, which marked a rare rally in the heart of the nation’s capital, was filled with passionate speeches from Trump and his allies, including top aide Stephen Miller and his children, as they celebrated the victory in the November election.
1. Trump Takes a Victory Lap
The rally kicked off with Trump confidently declaring, “We won,” a message that resonated with the thousands of supporters gathered in the arena. The president-elect emphasized the significance of his victory, not only in securing a second term but in the broader ideological shift across the country.
“I’m thrilled to be back with so many friends, supporters, and true American patriots on the eve of taking back our country,” Trump declared. He added, “Tomorrow, at noon, the curtain closes on four long years of American decline, and we begin a brand new day of American strength and prosperity, dignity, and pride.”
Trump highlighted his success in the seven battleground states he swept in November, noting the shift toward Republicans in the nation’s voting trends. In a moment of triumph, his son, Donald Trump Jr., echoed the sentiment, calling the opportunity for the next four years a chance to make a lasting impact.
2. Trump Promises a Busy Day 1
Looking ahead to his first day in office, Trump teased a flurry of executive actions aimed at reversing policies from the Biden administration. He promised that every “radical and foolish executive order” from the previous administration would be repealed quickly after his inauguration.
“You’re going to have a lot of fun watching television tomorrow,” Trump said, anticipating the spectacle of signing multiple executive orders in rapid succession. He dismissed suggestions to pace the actions over weeks, stating, “We’re going to sign them at the beginning.”
Among the issues he plans to tackle on Day 1 include energy policies, federal workforce regulations, and immigration enforcement, signaling a sharp break from the current administration’s policies.
3. Trump Celebrates TikTok's Return
In a lighthearted moment, Trump celebrated the return of the social media app TikTok, which had briefly been suspended in the U.S. following a legal dispute with its China-based parent company. He proudly proclaimed, “As of today, TikTok is back,” adding that it was a win for the youth vote, which he said he won by a significant margin.
“I like TikTok,” Trump quipped. He further hinted at plans to delay the full ban on TikTok through an executive order, suggesting that a joint venture involving U.S. ownership could help secure the app’s future in the country.
4. Trump Hints at Pardons for January 6th Defendants
In a controversial statement, Trump suggested that his first day in office would include pardons for those involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Referring to the individuals as “J6 hostages,” Trump told the crowd they would be “very happy” with his decision.
The riot, in which Trump supporters stormed the Capitol to disrupt the certification of President Biden’s victory, led to hundreds of arrests and guilty pleas. Trump has long criticized the investigation into the attack and hinted that the lawmakers behind the inquiry should face criminal charges.
5. Trump Plans First Post-Inauguration Trip to California
Looking beyond Washington, Trump confirmed that his first presidential trip would be to Los Angeles on Friday, where he plans to survey the devastation caused by recent wildfires. “I’m going to go out there on Friday to see it and to get it moving back,” Trump said, sending his “love” to those affected by the ongoing disaster.
While Trump has criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom over his handling of the crisis, many Republicans are calling for conditions on emergency funding for the state. Democrats have pushed back, arguing that disaster aid should not be used as a political bargaining chip.
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