“You’re Going to See Something Tomorrow”: Trump Previews Day One Orders with Rally Enthusiasm
President-elect Donald Trump took the stage at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on January 19, 2025, reveling in the support of his rally attendees just hours before his inauguration. With arms wide open, Trump declared, “We won!” and promised significant changes to the country in the early hours of his second term.
Promises of Change
Trump indicated that he plans to act swiftly upon taking office, stating, “You’re going to see executive orders that are going to make you extremely happy—lots of them.” He laid out intentions to repeal many of President Biden’s policies, including:
- Increased Deportations: Trump vowed to empower immigration officers to expedite deportations, asserting that by the end of his first day, “the invasion of our borders will have come to a halt.”
- Rolling Back Protections for Trans Athletes: He plans to eliminate protections for trans athletes in school sports.
- Ending Diversity and Inclusion Practices: The new administration aims to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in government.
Additionally, Trump hinted at sweeping pardons for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol assault, stating, “Everyone will be very, very happy with my decision on the J6 hostages.” He also mentioned plans to release federal records related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
TikTok’s Future and Joint Ventures
In light of TikTok’s uncertain status in the U.S., Trump proposed the unconventional idea of allowing access to the app if the U.S. could secure a 50% ownership stake through a joint venture.
Rally Highlights
The rally featured performances by Kid Rock and the Village People, along with speeches from notable figures including Dana White, the CEO of the UFC, and Trump’s family members. Stephen Miller, Trump’s policy advisor and incoming deputy chief of staff, emphasized the administration’s focus on border security and the rollback of trans protections, declaring, “It’s not up to you if you are a man or a woman. That decision is made by God and it can’t be changed.”
Support from Elon Musk
During the rally, Elon Musk received a warm welcome when called to the stage. Musk, who has been tasked with reducing federal spending, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming changes, saying, “We’re looking forward to making a lot of changes. This victory is the start.”
Challenges Ahead
While Trump’s ambitious plans may energize his base, executing them poses significant challenges. The deportation of millions could incur substantial costs and require a considerable increase in federal resources. Furthermore, Trump’s vision of developing a “great iron dome of defense” could lead to significant financial commitments to defense contractors.
As the inauguration approaches, Trump’s rally set the tone for a bold and assertive start to his second term, with promises to reshape policies across various sectors almost immediately.