Washington: Donald Trump electrified a crowd of thousands in Washington, D.C., on the eve of his return to the presidency, pledging to implement stringent immigration controls starting his first day in office. Speaking at a packed “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” inside the Capital One Arena on Sunday, Trump vowed to uphold one of the central promises of his campaign.
“By the time the sun sets tomorrow, the invasion of our country will have come to a halt,” Trump declared, igniting cheers from his enthusiastic supporters.
The former president reiterated his commitment to launching the most extensive deportation operation in U.S. history, aimed at removing millions of immigrants. While the scale of such an undertaking would likely require years and significant resources, Trump’s rhetoric energized the crowd.
The rally echoed the freewheeling style of Trump’s previous campaign events, blending boasts, contested claims, and sweeping promises.
“This is the greatest political movement in American history, and 75 days ago, we achieved the most epic political victory our country has ever seen,” he said. “Starting tomorrow, I will act with historic speed of strength and fix every single crisis facing our country.”
This marked Trump’s first major address in Washington since his controversial Jan. 6, 2021, speech, which preceded the storming of the Capitol by his supporters. He reiterated his intention to pardon many of the over 1,500 individuals convicted or charged in connection with that event.
Trump’s rally and his upcoming inaugural address are expected to set the tone for his second term. In recent weeks, his remarks have raised eyebrows among international allies, including musings about acquiring Greenland, reclaiming the Panama Canal, and incorporating Canada into the United States.
The president-elect pledged to overturn “every radical and foolish executive order of the Biden administration” within hours of assuming office. According to a source familiar with his plans, Trump intends to issue over 200 executive actions on Monday.
Focus on Border Security
Trump’s initial executive orders will prioritize border security, including classifying drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations,” declaring an emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, and reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy. The policy mandates that non-Mexican asylum seekers remain in Mexico while awaiting U.S. court dates.
These plans have sparked unease among immigrant communities, including individuals with deep-rooted ties to the U.S. “Families with U.S.-citizen spouses and children are fearful of what’s to come,” said an immigration advocate.
Trump also announced plans to “get radical woke ideologies the hell out of our military” and tasked the armed forces with constructing a missile defense shield over the U.S., though details on implementation remain unclear.
Additionally, he promised to release classified documents related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Inaugural Festivities Adjusted for Weather
Forecasts of bitter cold prompted the relocation of Monday’s inauguration events to indoor venues, including the Capital One Arena. Earlier on Sunday, Trump attended a breakfast with Republican senators at Blair House and later laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
Supporters, many braving cold rain in red MAGA attire, lined several downtown streets chanting “USA! USA!” Val Tordjman, 58, traveled from Denver to witness the historic event. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said, undeterred by the freezing temperatures.
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Tech and Business Leaders Join Trump
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew attended Sunday’s rally after the company announced it was restoring service in the U.S., crediting Trump for brokering a deal to delay the app’s ban. Chew will join other tech executives, including Elon Musk, at the inauguration. Musk, a close confidant of Trump, made a brief appearance on stage during the rally. Trump took credit for saving TikTok, promising a “joint venture” to secure its future.
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Biden’s Final Hours
Outgoing President Joe Biden spent his last official day in Charleston, South Carolina, attending Martin Luther King Jr. Day services. Speaking at Royal Missionary Baptist Church, Biden reflected on King’s legacy and urged Democrats to remain hopeful despite recent setbacks.
Trump’s inauguration ceremony will take place inside the Capitol rotunda, with an estimated 25,000 law enforcement officers ensuring security. As Trump takes the oath of office, the nation braces for the policy shifts and controversies that will define his second term.
