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President Donald Trump utilized his second inaugural address on Monday to portray a dire depiction of the nation he governs. He subsequently escalated the tone by stepping over to his supporters to deliver the speech he claimed his aides had advised against: a lengthy monologue filled with grievances, theatrical antics, and self-congratulatory remarks.
“I believe this was a better speech than the one I delivered upstairs,” Trump stated as he made his way towards a much-needed conclusion. “I provided you with the A-plus treatment.”
Just an hour into his second term, Trump took the opportunity to reiterate his assertions about winning the 2016 election, reject the realities of January 6, 2021, and take jabs at political adversaries like Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, Liz Cheney, and Adam Kinzinger, whom he mockingly referred to as “a super-cryer. I’ve never seen him without tears.”
While the familiar dynamics of Trump’s Washington are back, it doesn’t imply a softer tone. In fact, all indications suggest a more ominous and combative agenda ahead.
When Trump first arrived in Washington eight years ago, he stunned the political elite with a speech now famously dubbed “American Carnage.” His latest address echoed that same angry, bleak sentiment but lacked the refinement some had hoped would signal a less venomous second term. The abrasive tone clearly indicated that Trump’s second term would operate without significant constraints.
“From this moment on, America’s decline is over,” Trump declared in the scripted portion of the speech while his predecessor looked on.
Nonetheless, Trump mentioned that Vice President J.D. Vance and First Lady Melania Trump persuaded him to tone down the main address. However, after taking the oath and witnessing President Joe Biden depart the Capitol for one last flight on Marine One, Trump headed to the Capitol Visitors Center to deliver the unfiltered version that resembled the disjointed performance he had given the previous night at a sports arena.
“They said, ‘Please don’t mention that right now. You can talk about it tomorrow.’ I said, ‘How about now?’” Trump remarked during his redo of the inaugural address, hinting at potential pardons for those who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
This finale was emblematic of a campaign season marked by four indictments, one conviction, and two assassination attempts.
The buzz surrounding Trump is reaching a fever pitch. In recent coordinated statements, those close to him have made it clear that anything resembling business as usual is unlikely following Monday’s noon hour.
“It’s farewell, Joe Biden. Farewell, Kamala Harris. Farewell, Democrats. And welcome to the golden age of America,” declared Trump’s deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller 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 a jab at celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Meryl Streep, and Oprah Winfrey.
“In America, we are entitled to free speech; we have the right to offend, provoke, annoy, and advocate for our beliefs, even when they’re controversial,” she stated. “We should not be obligated to adopt the terminology you impose on us, such as your preferred pronouns or phrases like anti-racist or chest-beating.”
This hostile default setting was evident throughout all the events welcoming Trump back. As crowds gathered in Washington, it became apparent that much of the energized political movement was ready to seize its moment of control. This fighting spirit could disrupt Washington in unforeseen ways.
Trump returned to office promising to reduce taxes, combat inflation, lower prices, increase wages, and revive domestic manufacturing. On the international front, he vowed to put an end to the war in Ukraine, stabilize the Middle East, and adopt a more assertive stance against China. While he has since retracted some of these commitments, they were enough to galvanize voters to support him over Kamala Harris, who sat in the front row on Monday, watching her rival claim the prize she had sought while he pledged to plant a U.S. flag on Mars.
“This is what victory feels like,” proclaimed Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, at a rally following the formal transfer of power on Monday afternoon. “I’m incredibly excited about the future.”
The promises of retribution were also prominent, particularly for 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,” remarked 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 pumped up both himself and his supporters. “Here I am. The American people have made their choice,” Trump declared in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday.
Now, Americans eagerly await to see how this will unfold.
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