President Donald Trump delivered his inaugural address Monday, Jan. 20, speaking to the nation for the first time as the 47th president of the United States. In a speech that laid out his vision for the country, Trump declared that “the golden age of America begins right now” and vowed to “put America first” throughout his presidency. Here are five key takeaways from the speech.
1. Trump shares optimism for ‘golden age of America’
Trump began his address by proclaiming that America’s decline was over. He framed his recent election as a mandate to reverse what he called “a horrible betrayal” by previous administrations. “From this moment on, America’s decline is over,” he said.
“My recent election is a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal, and all of these many betrayals that have taken place and to give the American people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy and indeed their freedom,” Trump said. “From this moment on, America’s decline is over.”
2. Executive actions align with campaign promises
Trump reiterated key themes from his campaign, focusing on immigration, energy and trade. He promised to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy and deploy troops to the southern border, calling it his responsibility to defend the country from “threats and invasions.”
“As commander in chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions, and that is exactly what I am going to do,” Trump said.
3. Ambitious goals include U.S. flag on Mars
Trump again shared his plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” and reassert control over the Panama Canal. He also announced a goal to send astronauts to Mars in what he called the country’s “Manifest Destiny.”
“We will pursue our Manifest Destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars,” Trump said.
4. Trump criticizes Department of Justice
The president vowed to end what he described as the “weaponization” of the government, particularly the Justice Department.
“Never again will the immense power of the state be weaponized to persecute political opponents,” Trump said. “The vicious, violent and unfair weaponization of the Justice Department and our government will end.”
Trump was charged in four different criminal cases, though only one made it to trial before the election.
5. Assassination attempt’s impact on re-election
Trump also recalled a near-assassination attempt on his life during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last July. He said he felt his survival was part of a higher purpose and cited divine intervention as part of his re-election.
“I felt then and believe even more so now that my life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again,” Trump said.
Executive actions on day one
After delivering his speech, Trump wasted no time signing a series of executive orders. The first order revoked about 80 executive actions signed by former President Joe Biden. Trump also signed a freeze on new government regulations and imposed a hiring freeze on federal workers. Additionally, he withdrew the United States from the Paris climate agreement.
