| Advertisement |
Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Standing in a persistent drizzle before tens of thousands Friday, President Donald Trump delivered his inaugural address, promising, as he did throughout his campaign, to put "America first." Trump's populist speech took square aim at a political establishment his candidacy was built to upend. He spoke in broad terms about an America in decline, suffering from lecherous politicians and a focus on helping the world before securing its own citizens' welfare.
Advertisement
"This American carnage stops right here and right now," he said.
Trump's inaugural address lasted about 15 minutes and was delivered in brisk January weather in the capital to tens of thousands of onlookers filling one end of the National Mall.
Trump pledged his presidency would return power to the people in that crowd and across the country who voted him into office.
"We are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the people. For too long a small group in our nation's capital has reaped the rewards of government while people have borne the cost. Washington flourished, but people did not share in the wealth. Their victories have not been your victories. Their triumphs have not been your triumphs."
"That all changes starting right here and right now," Trump said. "Because this moment is your moment. It belongs to you."
Speaking to the rest of the world, Trump promised to seek "friendship" but cautioned all decisions and all relations would continue to be judged by what is best for Americans, regardless of consequence.
"We've defended other nations' borders while refusing to defend our own and spent trillions and trillions of dollars overseas while America's infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay. We've made other countries rich, while [our] wealth, strength and confidence has dissipated over the horizon," Trump said. "From this day forward a new vision will govern our land. From this day forward it's going to be only American first, America first."
