By JENNIFER SMITH, DAVID ROBERTS, and EMILY WATSON

NEW YORK (AP) — During President Donald Trump’s second inauguration address, he reiterated familiar themes from his first term: a scathing critique of the state of the nation he has inherited and bold promises to address its challenges.

Eight years ago, Trump painted a picture of “American carnage” that he vowed to eradicate. This time, he proclaimed an end to the country’s “decline,” heralding the arrival of a “golden age of America.”

In a departure from tradition, the Republican president delivered his speech inside the Capitol Rotunda due to inclement weather. Addressing a select audience of elected officials and pro-Trump supporters, including tech mogul Elon Musk, Trump outlined an array of policy proposals more reminiscent of a State of the Union address than an inaugural speech. However, the overarching message remained consistent: Trump positioning himself as a national hero.

Here are some key takeaways from the speech:

Pledging an American ‘golden age’

Trump’s address mirrored his campaign style, offering grand assurances of national prosperity under his leadership while condemning the existing state of affairs.

“The golden age of America starts now,” Trump declared, following customary acknowledgments of past presidents and dignitaries. He made additional lofty pledges: the onset of an exciting new era; a nation that is “greater, stronger, and more exceptional than ever before.”

“Our sovereignty will be restored. Our safety will be ensured. Justice will be upheld,” he continued. “Our primary goal is to build a nation that is proud, prosperous, and free.”

The underlying narrative implied Trump’s belief that he is inheriting a “failed nation,” a sentiment he frequently expressed throughout his 2024 campaign.

He reiterated promises to deploy troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, enhance domestic oil production, and implement tariffs to benefit American citizens.

Denouncing America’s past leadership as corrupt

Trump characterized the leadership of the previous four years as inept and corrupt, echoing the dark rhetoric he often espoused on the campaign trail.

While refraining from naming his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, or other Democrats directly, there was no doubt about the targets of his critique.

“We now have a government that is incapable of managing even a minor crisis domestically, while simultaneously stumbling through a series of disastrous events abroad,” Trump asserted.

He accused the current administration of prioritizing dangerous immigrants over law-abiding citizens, safeguarding foreign borders at the expense of American borders, and failing to provide essential services during emergencies.

As is his custom, Trump positioned himself as the sole solution to these issues.

“All of this will change starting today, and it will change rapidly,” he proclaimed.

As of Monday, Republicans held the majority in all three branches of the federal government.

Reframing the assassination attempt

Trump referenced the attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania, using vivid language to describe his survival.

“I was spared by divine intervention to lead America to greatness once again,” Trump stated to applause.

The assailant was a troubled 20-year-old local resident. Trump unfoundedly insinuated that the attack was part of a conspiracy to prevent his return to power.

Misrepresenting wildfire facts

Within his critique of the nation, Trump expressed disbelief that wildfires around Los Angeles were still raging “without any defense.”

This claim is inaccurate. Firefighters have been actively combatting the blazes since their outbreak and have made significant headway. The Eaton fire is 87% contained, while the Palisades fire is 59% contained, according to CalFire.

An unconventional indoor setting

Traditional inaugural speeches take place on the National Mall before crowds of enthusiastic supporters, often including everyday Americans who have traveled far to witness history in person.

However, Trump’s inauguration differed from this norm.

His speech was delivered in front of a smaller audience estimated at around 600 individuals in the Capitol Rotunda, comprising members of Congress, Cabinet nominees, Trump’s family, business leaders, and political elites. Notably, a group of prominent tech executives, led by Musk and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, were positioned prominently alongside Cabinet members. While business leaders were permitted to bring their spouses, members of Congress were excluded. Meanwhile, thousands of Trump supporters watched the ceremony via broadcast at Capitol One Arena.

It is worth noting that four years ago, violent supporters of Trump stormed the Capitol Rotunda, instilling fear among members of Congress and Vice President Mike Pence. Pence attended the inauguration on Monday, though his wife, former second lady Karen Pence, did not.

Robert contributed from Chicago, and Watson contributed from Houston.

Originally Published: January 20, 2025 at 10:56 AM MST