Trump talks law and order, immigration and TikTok at rally
Donald Trump has told thousands of roaring supporters he will usher in a new era of American prosperity as he takes a victory lap inside a packed Washington arena.
Trump’s rally in the US capital – his first since the riot by his supporters on January 6, 2021 – came a day before he returns to power with plans to aggressively reshape US immigration and trade policy.
“I’m thrilled to be back with so many friends, supporters and true American patriots on the eve of taking back our country,” Trump said on Sunday (local time)
“Tomorrow, at noon, the curtain closes on four long years of American decline, and we begin a brand new day of American strength, prosperity, dignity and pride.”
Trump’s Make America Great Again Victory Rally was held at Capital One Arena, an indoor hockey and basketball venue that will also host some of Monday’s inauguration festivities after forecasts of bitter cold prompted officials to move the planned outdoor events inside.
The rally resembled the free-wheeling campaign speeches that have been a Trump staple since his first White House run in 2016.
“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.
You might like
“Starting tomorrow, I will act with historic speed of strength and fix every single crisis facing our country.”
Trump said he would shut down the US’s southern border, “bring back law and order to our cities” and “get radical woke ideologies the hell out of our military”, among other promises.
“Every radical and foolish executive order of the Biden administration will be repealed within hours of when I take the oath of office,” he said.
“By the time the sun sets tomorrow, the invasion of our country will have come to a halt.”
Ahead of the event, Trump’s fans, many dressed in the campaign’s trademark red jackets and MAGA hats, waited in a cold, driving rain along several downtown Washington blocks, some chanting “USA! USA!”.
Large swathes of the streets around the US Capitol and White House have been blocked off by steel fences since last week, and police were visible throughout the city.
Trump’s rally, along with his inaugural address on Monday, could preview the tone he plans to adopt during his second White House term.
Stay informed, daily
In recent weeks, Trump has bewildered foreign allies by musing aloud about taking over Greenland and the Panama Canal and turning Canada into a US state.
Immigration will be a target of Trump’s first executive actions after taking office, along with energy issues and policies aimed at promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, his incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz told CBS.
“The American people gave him a clear mandate. Lock down our border, deport the worst of the worst, take on the cartels,” Waltz said in an interview with Face the Nation.
Stephen Miller, a top Trump adviser, told the audience that Trump would issue an executive order on Monday “ending the border invasion, sending the illegals home and taking America back,” drawing cheers.
Trump had breakfast with Republican US senators at Blair House, the guest quarters across from the White House, on Sunday. He then visited Arlington National Cemetery to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, who has become a Trump confidant since spending more than $US250 million ($A404 million) on his campaign, is scheduled to speak at Sunday’s rally, along with Vice President-elect JD Vance, Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White, conservative activist Charlie Kirk and conservative commentator Megyn Kelly.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew planned to attend the rally, hours after the company announced it was restoring its service thanks to Trump’s promise to delay a US ban that took effect on Sunday. Chew is also expected to join other tech executives at Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
Biden, meanwhile, made his last official trip as president on Sunday to Charleston, South Carolina, to mark Martin Luther King Jr Day, which is also on Monday. He attended services and spoke about King’s legacy at Royal Missionary Baptist Church, while also urging despondent fellow Democrats not to give up hope.
The inauguration is scheduled for noon on Monday (4am AEDT Tuesday).
Approximately 25,000 law enforcement personnel will be on hand to provide security.
