Donald Trump promised to act with "historic speed and force" to end the "decline of America" as he addressed cheering supporters in Washington, D.C., on the eve of his return to the White House.
"Tomorrow at noon, America's four-year decline ends, and we begin a new day of American strength, prosperity, dignity and pride," Trump told thousands gathered at the city's Capital One Arena.
"I will act with historic speed and force to address every crisis our country faces."
The speech was Trump's first to address a crowd in Washington since the riots on January 6, 2021, when his supporters stormed the Capitol in a failed attempt to overturn Joe Biden's election as president.
It repeats many of the dark campaign themes that won him a second term in November, from open borders to rampant crime to the indoctrination of the radical left, and foreshadows a slew of executive orders following his inauguration on Monday. .
“Every radical and foolish executive order of the Biden administration will be repealed within an hour of my taking office,” he promised to cheers.
He promised to issue executive orders to deport undocumented immigrants, deregulate oil and gas production, pardon the Jan. 6 rioters and roll back diversity initiatives. He promised to declassify records of the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert and civil rights leader Martin Luther King.
Compared to events four years ago, the mood Sunday among the Magathas was jubilant as they prepared for the sweeping changes they hope to bring to the United States during his second term in office.
“I came here to see something historic,” said Anthony Tellier, a 24-year-old student from Long Island who said free speech has been curtailed during Biden’s presidency.
"My biggest problem over the past four years is . . . if you say anything that leans even slightly to the right, you're treated like a pariah," he said. "Trump will bring a more open discourse."
Thousands of Trump supporters braved sleet and freezing temperatures to attend a "victory rally" in the U.S. capital. Trump praised them as "the greatest political movement in American history."
The excitement in the crowd was palpable. Many people lined up for hours outside the hockey and basketball arenas, where vendors sold Maga merchandise and Trump paraphernalia.
"I'm here to make America great again and do my part," said Andrew Gardiner, a 44-year-old defense contractor from New Braunsfels, Texas. "I think we are made of good stuff, and I think we have something worth representing. We don't need to feel sorry for ourselves. We need to be proud, strong, and kind."
“I want to see America worthy of Davy Crockett and the log cabin legends we grew up with,” he added, referring to the Texas pioneers.
Before Trump spoke, celebrities including singer Kid Rock and actor Jon Voight fired up the crowd, many of whom wore red "Make America Great Again" baseballs cap.
Some attendees were locals. Alice Turner of Alexandria, Virginia, has signed up to attend the event to "give back" to the president and hope he can quickly roll out his agenda on everything from immigration to the economy.
"I'm just looking for justice. I want the border to be closed, security to be better, and the J-76 people to be able to leave," she said, referring to the Jan. 6 rioters.
But others came from further afield. Paula Park traveled with friends from Smithville, Ontario, Canada, to express support for Trump's proposal to annex Canada as the 51st U.S. province.
“We hope President Trump will push (Canadian Prime Minister) Justin Trudeau to his limits so that we can become as great as America,” Parker, 61, said.