Addressing a large and enthusiastic crowd at Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena on Sunday, Donald Trump exuded confidence, declaring “We won!” He promised significant policy changes within his first few hours as President.
Trump reiterated his campaign pledges, including intensified deportations and increased oil drilling. He indicated his intention to implement these and other measures.
“You’re going to see something tomorrow,” Trump stated. “You’re going to see executive orders that are going to make you extremely happy—lots of them.”
Trump outlined plans for immediate action upon inauguration, including repealing what he termed President Biden’s “radical” policies. This involves rescinding protections for transgender athletes, empowering immigration officers to accelerate deportations, and eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the government.
“By the time the sun sets tomorrow evening, the invasion of our borders will have come to a halt and all the illegal border trespassers will, in some form or another, be on their way back home,” he asserted.
Trump alluded to potential pardons for those charged with crimes related to the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, stating, “Everyone will be very very happy with my decision on the J6 hostages.” He also promised the swift release of federal records concerning the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Regarding TikTok, he proposed a joint venture where the U.S. would own 50 percent of the company, a condition for allowing its continued operation.
It promises to be a significant start.
Trump’s final rally before his return to the White House featured performances by Kid Rock and the Village People, and speeches from Dana White, Don Jr., Lara Trump, and Stephen Miller.
On the eve of Inauguration Day, Trump’s supporters felt vindicated by the election results, demonstrating that years of investigations and scandals had not diminished his appeal. “MAGA is stronger and more united and more determined than ever before,” declared Miller, who will serve as Trump’s deputy chief of staff for policy. He highlighted Trump’s plans to strengthen border security, increase deportations, and roll back protections for transgender athletes, adding, “It’s not up to you if you are a man or a woman. That decision is a decision that is made by God and it can’t be changed.”
During the rally, Trump brought Elon Musk onstage to great applause. Musk, appearing somewhat surprised, joined him on stage with his son X. Musk was tasked with implementing trillions of dollars in federal spending cuts. “We’re looking forward to making a lot of changes. This victory is the start,” Musk commented.
The cost of Trump’s proposed initiatives is considerable. Deporting millions of undocumented individuals would be expensive, time-consuming, and require a significant increase in federal personnel. Trump also mentioned developing a “great iron dome of defense,” a project that would likely benefit defense contractors significantly.