Trump pledges series of Day 1 executive orders on eve of inauguration
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President-elect Donald Trump addresses a rally in Washington on Sunday, January 19, 2025, ahead of the 60th Presidential Inauguration.
On the eve of his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump delivered a passionate rally speech to a packed crowd at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., promising swift and dramatic changes to the federal government once he took office. With over 20,000 supporters in attendance, Trump emphasized his commitment to immediately re-shape American priorities, halt the perceived decline of the nation, and make bold moves on key issues, from immigration to energy policy.
As he prepared for his first day in office, Trump made it clear he would take rapid, decisive action, particularly in undoing many of the policies enacted by outgoing President Joe Biden. “We’re going to give them the best first day, the biggest first week, and the most extraordinary first 100 days of any presidency in American history,” Trump declared, promising to dismantle Biden’s executive actions “within hours” of taking office. He detailed his plans to focus on issues such as tightening border security, advancing oil drilling, reducing the size of the federal workforce, and eliminating diversity programs that he described as a drain on the country’s resources.
Trump’s rally, dubbed a “Make America Great” victory celebration, was a high-energy affair, showcasing his typical combative style and connecting with his supporters. The event set the tone for the coming weeks of his administration, with Trump telling the crowd, “Tomorrow we will not waste a single moment.” He emphasized that his presidency would begin with sweeping changes and that no time would be wasted in pursuing his agenda. He also promised that his executive actions would be a source of great satisfaction for his supporters, declaring, “You’re going to see executive orders that are going to make you extremely happy. Lots of them.”
One of the more memorable aspects of the rally came during Trump’s entrance. In an unusual move, he descended into the arena from the concourse level, frequently pausing to wave and pose for photos with rallygoers along the way. This unexpected moment seemed to energize the crowd even further, setting the stage for the tone of his presidency: one that would be marked by strong gestures, an affinity for populism, and a hands-on approach to engaging with his base.
After his speech, Trump stayed to take in the festivities, including a performance by the Village People, whose hit “YMCA” had become an unofficial anthem for his campaign. In a lighthearted moment, Trump joined the group on stage and sang along, even briefly dancing, a scene that juxtaposed the seriousness of his campaign promises with a touch of his signature showmanship.
The rally took place on Sunday, the day before his official inauguration, and marked Trump’s first full day back in Washington since his Election Day victory. For his supporters, it was a final chance to hear their candidate speak before the formal ceremonies of Inauguration Day, further energizing them for what Trump promised would be a bold new direction for the country. The rally also served to underscore the idea that his administration would be one of constant movement and action, starting immediately.
Trump’s promises to act quickly on Day 1 of his presidency were a direct challenge to the more methodical pace of typical presidential transitions. By vowing to enact executive orders at such a rapid rate, he made clear that he intended to use the power of the presidency to enact significant changes from the outset. His rhetoric focused heavily on themes of economic nationalism, job creation, and a return to policies he believed would make America stronger on the global stage.
As he looked ahead to his inauguration, Trump’s rally served as a preview of the combative and populist tone that would define his presidency. His supporters, energized by his promises of quick action, appeared eager for the changes he had outlined, while his opponents braced for the challenges that such a rapid shift in policy might bring. Whether or not Trump’s sweeping promises would come to fruition, his Day 1 executive orders and early actions would set the stage for a presidency that was certain to be anything but ordinary.
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