Donald Trump told thousands of rabid supporters on Sunday that he would usher in a new era of American prosperity when he takes office, leading a victory lap in a packed arena in Washington, DC, a day before he returns to power with plans to aggressively reshape US immigration and trade policies. policy.
“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,” he said at the start of his speech.
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 ceremonies after forecasts of bitter cold prompted officials to move planned outdoor events inside.
The gathering resembled the freewheeling campaign speeches that have been Trump’s staple since his first bid for the White House in 2016. The event marked his first major address in Washington since he gave a speech to supporters on Jan. 6, 2021, that preceded the storming of the US Capitol.
Large sections of the streets around the US Capitol and the White House have been blocked off by steel fences since last week, with police visible throughout the city.
The inauguration is scheduled for noon ET on Monday, when Trump will take the presidential oath inside the rotunda of the Capitol building, after cold weather forced organizers to move the ceremony indoors. Approximately 25,000 members of the police force will be on hand to provide security.
