‘A Free, Sovereign, and Independent Nation’: Trump Promises Closed Borders, Protectionist Trade Policy, and a New Manifest Destiny in Inaugural Address

‘The golden age of America begins right now,’ the 47th president says.

Kevin Lamarque/Pool/Getty Images
President Trump takes the oath of office as Barron Trump looks on. Kevin Lamarque/Pool/Getty Images

President Trump is promising a new “golden age” in America after four years of the Biden–Harris administration, which he criticized as lawless and responsible for an American decline, without naming them explicitly. 

“The golden age of America begins right now,” Mr. Trump declared shortly after he was sworn in for an historic second term on Monday, making him only the second president in history to serve non-consecutive terms. “From this moment on, America’s decline is over.”

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