On the eve of his second presidential inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump took to the stage in Washington, D.C. for a high-energy rally with thousands of supporters. The event, held at the Capital One Arena, was both a celebration of his victory and a preview of what the American public can expect from his second term. Here are the major takeaways from Trump’s rally, which provided a glimpse into his ambitious plans for Day 1 in office.
1. Trump Celebrates His Victory: “We Won”
Trump opened the rally with a strong declaration: “We won.” The president-elect highlighted his sweeping victory in key battleground states during November’s election and claimed that the nation’s political landscape had shifted significantly in favor of Republicans. “Tomorrow, at noon, the curtain closes on four long years of American decline,” Trump declared, promising that his second term would usher in a new era of strength, prosperity, and national pride. He also took a moment to acknowledge the personal challenges he had overcome, including an assassination attempt and multiple legal battles, to secure his second term.
2. A Glimpse of Day 1: A Flurry of Executive Orders
One of the most significant promises from Trump at the rally was a plan to take immediate action upon his swearing-in. The president-elect vowed to sign a series of executive orders within hours of entering the Oval Office, particularly targeting policies enacted by the Biden administration. Trump announced, “Every radical and foolish executive order of the Biden administration will be repealed within hours of when I take the oath of office.” He indicated that these actions would address a range of issues, from immigration enforcement to federal workforce regulations. Trump’s approach is a stark contrast to the more gradual pace of executive orders seen in Biden’s first week in office, signaling a swift, decisive start to his second term.
3. Trump Touts TikTok’s Return and Young Voter Support
Trump took the opportunity to celebrate the return of the social media app TikTok, which had faced a temporary ban due to national security concerns involving its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. “As of today, TikTok is back,” Trump told the crowd, referencing his efforts to keep the app available in the U.S. He also highlighted his success in winning over young voters in the 2024 election, stating, “We won the youth vote by 36 points,” and attributed part of that success to TikTok’s role in his campaign. Trump hinted at issuing an executive order to delay the app’s ban further and suggested a partnership model that could involve the U.S. owning part of the app to ensure its continued operation.
4. Hints at Pardons for January 6 Rioters
Trump alluded to issuing pardons for individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot on his first day in office. He referred to these individuals as “J6 hostages” and suggested that a decision on pardons would be met with widespread approval. While he did not provide specifics, Trump’s comments reinforced his continued belief that the 2020 election was “rigged” and expressed support for those who stormed the Capitol in protest of the certification of President Biden’s victory. His mention of pardons adds to the ongoing controversy surrounding the events of January 6, particularly as the Justice Department continues its investigations.
5. Trump to Visit California in Response to Wildfires
In a move that ties his second-term agenda to current events, Trump confirmed plans to visit California on Friday to assess the damage caused by the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles and other areas. Trump expressed solidarity with the victims, stating, “I want to send our love to everyone affected by the terrible wildfires raging in California.” His visit is also likely to draw attention to his criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom, whom he blamed for exacerbating the wildfire crisis through poor water and environmental policies. As Trump gears up for his first official trip outside Washington as president, his stance on disaster relief and his ongoing feud with Democratic leadership will remain a point of contention.
Trump’s Bold Plans for the Future
Sunday’s rally in Washington was not just a celebration of Trump’s victory; it was a clear signal of the aggressive agenda he intends to pursue once in office. From a flurry of executive orders on Day 1 to his support for TikTok and potential pardons for January 6 rioters, Trump is preparing for a fast-paced and controversial second term. As he looks ahead to his inauguration, all eyes will be on the actions he takes and the long-term impact his presidency will have on U.S. politics and global affairs.