A Roaring Send-Off Before Inauguration Day, Donald Trump held his final pre-inauguration rally at Washington’s Capital One Arena, addressing a massive crowd of enthusiastic supporters. The event, dubbed the “Make America Great Again Victory Rally,” covered a range of topics, including immigration policies, foreign conflicts, and economic plans. This marked Trump’s first major public appearance in Washington since his controversial January 6, 2021, speech.
During his address, Trump reiterated his plan to pardon over 1,500 individuals charged or convicted in connection with the Capitol riot. The announcement drew mixed reactions from the crowd and the public, underscoring the ongoing divisions in American politics.
Immigration Reform Takes Center Stage
Trump made immigration a focal point of his speech, vowing to implement the largest deportation effort in U.S. history. He assured supporters that, “By the time the sun sets tomorrow, the invasion of our country will have come to a halt.” He pledged to remove illegal immigrants and criminal elements from American soil, emphasizing border security as a top priority.
A source close to Trump’s transition team revealed that border security will be among his first executive orders, potentially classifying drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations.” The incoming administration is also expected to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to await their court dates outside the U.S.
Promises to Address Global Conflicts
Trump took credit for the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, stating that his election victory played a crucial role in the deal. “This would have never happened if I were president,” he claimed. He further promised to end the war in Ukraine and bring stability to the Middle East, asserting that the world was “closer than ever to World War 3.”
Declassification of Key Documents
Trump assured supporters that his administration would prioritize government transparency by releasing classified documents related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. He had previously pledged similar actions but faced resistance from intelligence agencies. The promise sparked excitement among many attendees, eager to see long-hidden records brought to light.
National Defense and Economic Plans
In a surprising move, Trump announced plans to build an “Iron Dome” missile defense shield in the U.S., modeled after Israel’s system. He emphasized the need for enhanced national security measures to protect American cities from potential threats.
On the economic front, Trump promised to “restore prosperity” by encouraging companies like Apple to invest heavily in the U.S. He cited a conversation with Apple CEO Tim Cook, who reportedly expressed commitment to increasing domestic investments.
Social Media and TikTok
Trump addressed the recent brief ban of TikTok in the U.S., promising to “save” the platform while ensuring it complies with national security regulations. The video-sharing app disappeared from app stores after a ban took effect, but services were quickly restored following Trump’s remarks. The administration is expected to work on a deal to transfer ownership of TikTok’s U.S. operations to non-Chinese entities.
Criticism of the Outgoing Administration
In a direct attack on the Biden administration, Trump declared that “the curtain closes on four long years of American decline,” promising to repeal Biden’s executive orders. He vowed to eliminate “woke” policies from the military and schools, aiming to restore “patriotism” in American institutions.
Trump will be sworn in as President inside the Capitol’s rotunda due to cold weather, with around 25,000 law enforcement personnel expected to provide security. The ceremony will mark the beginning of his second term, with heightened anticipation regarding the implementation of his bold promises.
