Trump Puts ‘America First’ In Inauguration Speech (Video)

During his inauguration address, President Donald Trump pledged to implement a policy of putting U.S. interests above all else. Describing himself as a vessel for the American people, Trump asserted that he would enact the will of the public over political elites (video below).

On Jan. 20, Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the U.S. during a rainy inauguration ceremony before the Capitol in Washington, D.C., NPR reports.

The event was attended by all living U.S. presidents save for George H.W. Bush, who is currently recovering from health ailments.

Trump delivered a 16-minute address describing his election as a victory for the public.

“We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and restore its promise for all of our people,” Trump said, according to CNBC.

“Today we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another or from party to another, but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the people,” he added.

Trump blasted what he described as the political establishment, asserting that it had “protected itself, but not the citizens of our country.” 

“That all changes starting right here and right now, because this moment is your moment,” the president said.

“What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people,” he added.

Trump proceeded to describe a national policy of putting American interests above all international considerations, asserting that previous administrations had catered too much to global concerns.

“For many decades we’ve enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry, subsidized the armies of the other countries while allowing for the very sad depletion of our military,” Trump said.

“We’ve made other countries rich while the wealth, strength and confidence of our country has dissipated over the horizon,” the president added.

Trump stated that his vision for the U.S. would be prioritize domestic needs above all else.

“From this day forward, it’s going to be only America first,” Trump continued.

“America will start winning again, winning like never before,” he added. “We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth, and we will bring back our dreams.”

The president stated that his administration will emphasize “two simple rules: buy American and hire American.”

Trump concluded his inaugural address by repeating a recurring sentiment from his stump speeches on the campaign trail.

“Together we will make America strong again, we will make America wealthy again, we will make America proud again, we will make America safe again,” Trump said. “And, yes, together we will make America great again.”

Sources: CNBC, NPR / Photo Credit: The White House/Facebook