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Donald Trump promised to act with “historic speed and force” to end “American decline” as he addressed a jubilant crowd of supporters in Washington on the eve of his return to the White House.
“Tomorrow at noon, the curtain closes on four long years of American decline and we begin a brand new day of American power and prosperity and American dignity and pride,” Trump told thousands gathered at the city’s Capital One Arena. “I will act with historic speed and force and fix every crisis facing our country.”
The speech marked the first time Trump has addressed a crowd in Washington since the January 6, 2021 riots, when his supporters stormed the Capitol building in a failed attempt to overturn the election of Joe Biden as president.
He repeated many of the dark campaign themes that won him a second term in office, touching on open borders, rampant crime and radical leftist indoctrination, as well as announcing a slew of executive orders after his inauguration on Monday .
“Every radical and stupid executive order of the Biden administration will be repealed within hours of me taking office,” Trump promised to cheers.
He promised executive orders to deport immigrants, deregulate oil and gas production, pardon the January 6 protesters, limit the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports and scrap diversity initiatives.
Trump also promised to declassify records on the assassinations of John F Kennedy, his brother Robert and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Unlike the events of four years ago, the mood among the Maga faithful on Sunday was upbeat as they prepared for what they hoped would be sweeping change in America during Trump’s second term.
“I was very impressed with the plans he has, especially that he wants to sign 100 executive orders on the first day,” said Elizabeth Nottingham, a 59-year-old energy consultant who had flown from Oklahoma to Washington. “I think it will be very important.”
She said the speech reinforced her optimism that Trump’s return to the White House would be a boon to ordinary Americans. “We are not the top 1 percent in society. We are small business owners. . . and so now I feel confident that President Donald Trump will keep those taxes down and do the things necessary to help the economy,” she said.

Nottingham was among thousands of Trump supporters who had traveled from across the county, braving snow, sleet and freezing temperatures in the US capital, to take part in Sunday’s “victory rally”.
“I’m here to see something historic,” said Anthony Tellier, a 24-year-old student from Long Island, who said free speech had been curtailed under the Biden presidency. “My biggest problem during the last four years. . . it’s if you say anything that even slightly leans to the right, you’re seen as unlucky. Trump will bring a more open discourse.”
In a wide-ranging speech typical of his campaign rallies, Trump took credit for restoring TikTok, freeing Israeli hostages in Gaza and strengthening the stock market before taking office.
He also said that Apple chief Tim Cook had told him on Sunday that the technology group would make a “massive investment in the United States” as a result of his victory.
“We’ve accomplished more without being president than they did in four years of being president,” Trump told the crowd. “Just imagine all the good things we’ll accomplish together with four more years in the White House.”
Many had spent hours standing in line outside the hockey and basketball arena 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 Braunfels, Texas. “I think we are made of good stuff and I think we have something to stand on.” And we don’t need to feel bad about ourselves. We should be proud, strong and good.”
Before Trump’s speech, musician Kid Rock, Ultimate Fighting Championship boss Dana White and actor Jon Voight were among the celebrities who pumped up the crowd, many wearing red “Make America Great Again” baseball caps.
Alice Turner of Alexandria, Virginia, said she had signed up to volunteer at the event to “gift” 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’m asking for the border to be closed, for better security and for the J-Sixers to get out,” she said, referring to the Jan. 6 riots. “I just hope so.”