At a victory rally in Washington on the eve of his inauguration, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump focused on immigration and economic reforms while promising prompt action to address national concerns.
Just one day before he takes office for a second term, Trump told a cheering audience at a packed arena, “Starting tomorrow (today), I will act with historic speed and strength and fix every single crisis facing our country.”
Elon Musk, who is expected to spearhead a major cost-cutting push in his government, joined Trump. Musk promised to build America “for centuries” and do “great things.”
Trump’s address continued to center on immigration, reiterating themes from his campaign. With a hint of impending action, he declared, “We’re going to stop the invasion of our borders.”
The president-elect also called the Democratic Joe Biden administration a “failed administration” and attacked it.
Large throngs braved the frigid weather to attend the rally, and celebrities like Kid Rock and actor Jon Voight were there to honor Trump. “I wanted to watch history happen right in front of my eyes,” stated 21-year-old Connecticut student Alan McNeely.
Symbolic Events and Modified Plans for the Inauguration
Trump paid respects to America’s dead warriors at Arlington National Cemetery earlier in the day. In contrast to his contentious visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during his presidential campaign, he lay a wreath there with incoming Vice President J.D. Vance.
Deportations of undocumented migrants would “begin very, very quickly,” he said in an interview with NBC.
However, following the disclosure of information, preparations for a first raid in Chicago are allegedly being reviewed.
Trump intends to increase oil drilling on federal land and offshore locations, making energy policy a top priority as well.
Foreign Policy Developments and TikTok
The president-elect also spoke about TikTok’s operations in the United States, praising his leadership for restoring service following a shutdown due to national security concerns.
He assured supporters, “We have to save TikTok,” promising to postpone a ban in order to work out an agreement that would guarantee its American ownership.
In the meantime, as part of a truce in Gaza arranged in the Middle East, Trump’s transition team helped free three Israeli hostages.