Trump's inauguration speech
With the incoming of a new president of the United States, it is important for us to analyse President Trump's inauguration speech in order for us to gain an insight into what he plans to achieve during his presidency.
Most presidential inaugural speeches are short, and aim to achieve 3 things:
1) Unify the country after a divisive campaign
2) Share the principles that will guide their presidency
3) Affirm the limitations of power, stating that no one is above the law
Here are some thoughts and questions I have on Trump’s inaugural speech (blue).
Transcript | President Trump’s inauguration speech
Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, fellow Americans, and people of the world: thank you.
We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people.
The fact that Trump uses ‘we’ suggests that he does want to unite the country, appealing to Republicans and Democrats.
Trump has mentioned that the United states needs to be rebuild throughout his campaign, but what does that actually mean? According to statistics, the country is better off than before Obama came into office. In 2009, the country was suffering from an economic crisis; however at present, the economy has improved greatly and is in reasonable shape. So what does Trump mean by rebuilding?
Together, we will determine the course of America and the world for years to come.
We will face challenges. We will confront hardships. But we will get the job done.
Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power, and we are grateful to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition. They have been magnificent.
Obama left Washington DC shortly after the inauguration and a short final farewell address to board on Air Force One for the final time to Palm Springs for a family holiday, although there is no doubt that he and his family will be back very soon! According to the Rasmussen Reports, Obama is leaving the White House with a high approval rating of 62%. In this video published by the Obamas, they spoke about their plans after his presidency, which, first and foremost, included going on holiday, as well as their new project/presidential center in the southside of Chicago, and running programs all over the US. They want to create a project that reflected the needs and wants of the people, so want to hear from everyone around the country.
Today’s ceremony, however, has very special meaning. Because today we are not merely transferring power from one Administration to another, or from one party to another – but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People.
This line strongly echoes the anti-establishment sentiment, which was central to his campaign. Trump should work towards increasing communication between American citizens and the government during his presidency.
For too long, a small group in our nation’s Capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost.
Washington flourished – but the people did not share in its wealth. Politicians prospered – but the jobs left, and the factories closed.The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country.
It is interesting to point out that Trump's cabinet is the most wealthy to date, including billionaire Betsy DeVos (Education nominee) , former Exxonmobil CEO Rex Tillerson (Secretary of State nominee) and former Goldman Sachs executive Steven Mnuchin (Treasury nominee). The estimated total wealth of Trump’s cabinet could be up to $35bn, which is more than the annual GDP of Bolivia. This cabinet even beats Bush’s millionaire cabinet back in 2001 with a combined wealth of $17.4bn.
Their victories have not been your victories; their triumphs have not been your triumphs; and while they celebrated in our nation’s Capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land.
If we look back on Obama’s speech in 2009, he electrified hope and thanked the people for their support. Trump’s speech channeled rage as he focused on the problems Americans faced, yet failed to suggest how he aimed to solve such issues.