“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,” said President Donald J. Trump during his inauguration address today as the nation’s 47th president, alongside Vice President JD Vance.
“America will soon be greater, stronger and far more exceptional than ever before,” he said. “I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success. A tide of change is sweeping the country. Sunlight is pouring over the entire world, and America has the chance to seize this opportunity like never before.”
“We will measure our success not only by the battles we win, but also by the wars that we end, and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into,” Trump said.
“My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier,” he added.
The 60th inaugural swearing-in ceremony took place at noon inside the Capitol Rotunda, with Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts administering the oath of office to the new president and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh swearing in the vice president.
In the audience were former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, former Vice President Kamala Harris, members of Congress, all nine Supreme Court justices and family members of Trump and Vance.
Trump thanked Black and Latino voters for helping him get elected and added that on this observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, “we will strive together to make his dream a reality. We will make his dream come true.”
Trump said he’ll declare “a national emergency at our southern border,” with troops ordered there. Trump also said he’ll reinstate service members who were let go because they objected to COVID-19 mandates, and they will receive full back pay.
Carrie Underwood performed “America the Beautiful,” and Christopher Macchio sang “Oh, America!” and the national anthem during the inaugural ceremony. The U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club sang “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
The theme of this year’s ceremonies is “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise.”
In addition to the swearing-in ceremony and the inaugural luncheon at the Capitol, the president and vice president are scheduled to review the military parade, which will take place inside Capital One Arena due to frigid weather.
Yesterday, Trump and Vance placed wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.
David Vergun, DOD News
