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Donald Trump promised to act with “historical speed and strength” to end the “decline of America” ​​when he spoke to a cheering group of supporters in Washington on the eve of his return to the White House.

“Tomorrow afternoon, the curtain will close on four years of American decline, and we begin a new day of American strength and prosperity, honor and pride,” Trump told the thousands gathered at Capital One Arena. “I will act quickly and forcefully to fix all the problems facing our country.”

The words are written TrumpetIt’s the first time he’s addressed a crowd in Washington since the January 6, 2021 riots, when supporters stormed the Capitol building to overturn the election of Joe Biden as President.

It also brought back many of the dark themes that marked his second term in office, including open borders, rampant crime and left-wing indoctrination, as well as the prospect of more legislation being enacted on Monday.

“Every far-reaching and stupid executive order of the Biden administration will be rescinded within hours of me taking office,” Trump promised gleefully.

He promised officials to deport immigrants, ban oil and gas production, pardon the perpetrators of the January 6 riots, ban transgender athletes from participating in sports and restore diversity.

Trump also promised to remove the records of the assassination of John F Kennedy, his brother Robert and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

Unlike what happened four years ago, the mood among the Maga faithful on Sunday was happy as they prepared for what they hope will be a big change in America during Trump’s second term.

“I was very impressed with the plans they have, especially that they want to sign 100 principals on the first day,” said Elizabeth Nottingham, a 59-year-old electrical consultant who flew from Oklahoma to Washington. “I think this is going to be very important.”

He said the speech strengthened his hope that Trump’s return to the White House would help ordinary Americans. “We are not 100% leading. We are small business owners. . . and now I am confident that President Donald Trump will cut taxes and do the necessary things to help the economy,” he said.

Nottingham was one of thousands of Trump supporters who traveled from across the country, sleeting, snowing and freezing to the US capital, to attend a “victory rally” on Sunday.

“I’m here to see history,” said Anthony Tellier, a 24-year-old student from Long Island who said free speech had been curtailed under the Biden administration. “My biggest problem in the last four years . . . If you say anything that leans a little to the right, you’re seen as a normal person. Trump will bring a very open story. “

In many of his campaign rallies, Trump has boasted to restore TikTokfreeing Israeli hostages in Gaza and boosting the stock market before taking office.

He said that Apple CEO Tim Cook told him on Sunday that the technology group would make “a lot of money in the United States” because of its success.

“We’ve done more without being president than he did in four years as president,” Trump told the crowd. “Just think of all the great things we’ll do together in four more years in the White House.”

Many were lined up outside the hockey and basketball arenas as vendors hawked Maga merchandise and Trump paraphernalia.

“I’m here to make America great again and do my part,” said Andrew Gardiner, a 44-year-old security guard in New Braunfels, Texas. “I think we are made of good stuff and I think we have a representation. And we don’t have to feel sorry for ourselves. We have to be proud, strong and good.”

Before Trump’s speech, singer Kid Rock, Ultimate Fighting Championship executive Dana White and actor Jon Voight were among the celebrities who fired up the crowd, many of whom wore red “Make America Great Again” baseball caps.

Alice Turner of Alexandria, Virginia, said she signed on to volunteer at the event to “give back” at the president and hopes he will quickly release his agenda on everything from immigration to the economy.

“I just want justice. I’m looking for the border to be closed, the defense to be good and the J-Sixers to come out,” he said, referring to the January 6 violence. “I’m very optimistic.”