(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump took the oath of office Monday, becoming the 47th president of the United States.
Trump, who also was the 45th president, succeeds former President Joe Biden.
“Today begins the golden age of America,” Trump said to open his inaugural address. “We will be the envy of every nation and we will not allow us to be taken advantage any longer.”
Trump said a tide of change is sweeping the country and the entire world.
He said the U.S. still has many challenges, and “we need to be honest” about that.
He noted the wars overseas, the border crisis, the hurricanes that devastated parts of North Carolina and other east coast states as well as the federal government’s response, the Los Angeles wild fires, and other challenges.
“From this moment on, America’s decline is over,” Trump said.
He acknowledged the first attempted assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, PA, when a bullet grazed his ear. He said he realized then that God saved his life “to make America great again.”
He called Jan. 20, 2025, “liberation day.”
He thanked Black, Hispanic and other voters who helped him get reelected.
He said he will sign a series of executive orders to restore “common sense.”
He said he will “declare a national emergency at our southern border.”
“All illegal entry will be immediately be halted,” he said, he will reinstate “Remain in Mexico,” end the practice of catch and release, and deport millions of illegal aliens who entered the U.S. under Biden.
Trump said he will designate Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
Trump said he would also declare a national energy emergency and “we will drill baby, drill.”
He said he will end the Green New Deal and halt all electric vehicle mandates put in place under Biden.
“In other words, you will be able to by the car of your choice,” he said.
Trump said he will sign an executive order ending “government censorship” and “bring free speech back the country.”
The president said it will now be the official policy of the U.S. there “there are only two genders, male and female.”
Trump said he will undo any actions the Biden administration took to punish military members who refused to take the COVID-19 shots.
