Donald Trump electrified thousands of supporters on Sunday night with promises to impose strict immigration limits on his first day back in office, delivering a fiery address at a packed “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” in Washington, D.C. Speaking at the Capital One Arena, Trump declared that “by the time the sun sets tomorrow, the invasion of our country will have come to a halt,” drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.
The former president reiterated his campaign pledge to launch the largest deportation initiative in U.S. history, aiming to remove millions of immigrants. While such an effort would likely take years and face immense logistical and financial challenges, Trump’s vow underscored his commitment to his central campaign promise.
The rally had all the hallmarks of Trump’s signature style: sweeping promises, self-congratulatory remarks, and sharp rebukes of his critics. “This is the greatest political movement in American history,” Trump said to his energized supporters. “Seventy-five days ago, we achieved the most epic political victory our country has ever seen. Starting tomorrow, I will act with historic speed and strength to fix every single crisis facing our country.”
Trump’s remarks also highlighted a slew of executive orders he plans to issue upon taking office at noon ET on Monday. According to sources close to the president-elect, more than 200 executive actions are expected to be signed, focusing heavily on border security, economic reforms, and dismantling key policies from the Biden administration. Among these, Trump is reportedly planning to classify drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations,” declare a state of emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, and reinstate the controversial “Remain in Mexico” policy.
The deportation crackdown has sparked anxiety among immigrant communities, including long-term residents with U.S.-citizen family members. Advocates warn that the sweeping measures could have devastating effects on families and communities across the country.
Trump’s address also touched on his vision for the military, promising to eliminate “radical woke ideologies” and ordering the construction of a missile defense shield over the United States. While details of these ambitious plans remain unclear, they signal a continuation of Trump’s America-first agenda.
The rally served as a prelude to Monday’s inauguration, which has been moved indoors to the Capitol rotunda due to bitter cold. Earlier in the day, Trump paid homage to fallen soldiers by placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Despite freezing rain and plunging temperatures, thousands of supporters clad in MAGA hats and red jackets waited for hours to catch a glimpse of Trump.
For some, the occasion was deeply personal. Val Tordjman, 58, traveled from Denver with tickets to attend the inauguration. Despite the ceremony being scaled down and moved indoors, he vowed to spend the night outside the arena to secure his place. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said.
Adding to the event’s spectacle, Trump brought TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew on stage briefly after announcing that he had delayed the U.S. ban on the platform. Trump claimed credit for saving the app, describing plans for a “joint venture” between TikTok and American bidders. Other tech leaders, including Elon Musk, are expected to attend Monday’s festivities, with Musk making a brief appearance at Sunday’s rally.
Security measures for the inauguration are unprecedented, with approximately 25,000 law enforcement personnel deployed throughout Washington, D.C. Streets around the Capitol and White House have been barricaded with steel fences since last week, while federal agencies remain on high alert.
Meanwhile, outgoing President Joe Biden spent his final day in office in Charleston, South Carolina, marking Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In a speech at Royal Missionary Baptist Church, Biden reflected on King’s legacy and encouraged Democrats to remain hopeful in challenging times.
Trump is set to take the presidential oath of office at noon, formally ushering in what he has described as a “new era of American greatness.” As the world watches, the 47th president’s promises of swift and decisive action will likely define the early days of his administration.