Washington, DC – United States President Donald Trump was sworn in for a second term in an indoor ceremony at the Capitol, where he was shielded from the cold snap of the polar vortex.
But his inauguration still saw supporters descend on Washington, DC, to celebrate.
On Monday, in his second inaugural address, Trump vowed that his legacy would be that of a “peacemaker and a unifier.”
But in the same remarks, the US president outlined some of his most divisive policy proposals, including a tough crackdown on illegal immigration and “taking back” the Panama Canal.
“Above all, my message to Americans today is that it is time for us to act once again with courage, passion and the greatest civilization in history,” Trump said. “So as we liberate our nation, we will lead it to new heights of victory and success.”
Trump’s Democratic opponents have long accused him of being a threat to American democracy – if not an outright fascist.
However, there were some protesters in Washington on Monday who rejected Trump’s return to the White House, in stark contrast to the large demonstrations that took place before, during and after his first inauguration.
The protesters may have been deterred by the indoor inauguration or the freezing cold. Others may have felt a sense of indifference or acceptance about Trump’s return to the White House.
However, the weather didn’t keep the US president’s supporters away, who showed up in their Make America Great Again (MAGA) gear and lined up for several city blocks to get inside the Capital One Arena.
Trump’s last-minute decision to move his inauguration indoors on Friday left many unable to watch it in person. But the arena was set up as an alternative, with live broadcasts of the event. In addition, Trump promised to make an in-person appearance later.
Still, thousands of his supporters lined up for a spot in the 20,000-seat arena, which claimed less space than the outdoor National Mall.
‘Regaining respect’
Although Trump has filled his cabinet with foreign policy advocates, many of his supporters have stressed his commitment to advancing world peace.
David Marks, who drove from Orlando, Florida, to attend the inauguration, praised Trump for using “common sense” in his governance rather than relying on bureaucracy.
Marks rode a bike emblazoned with Israeli and Palestinian flags and a peace sign.
“He thinks world peace is in our best interest,” he said of Trump.
Marks was unable to make it to the arena, where the inauguration and the president’s speech were broadcast on jumbo screens.
Thousands were left outside in the bitter Arctic cold after waiting for hours to enter the building. Many watched the inauguration on their phones as they waited in the slow-moving line.
Trump’s inaugural address was marked by outgoing President Joe Biden vowing to aggressively implement his hard-line campaign promises.
“America’s golden age is just beginning,” Trump said, using an oft-repeated phrase of his presidential campaign.
“From this day forward, our country will rise and be looked upon with respect around the world once again. We will be the envy of every nation, and we will no longer allow ourselves to be taken advantage of.