By: Alyssa James Staff Writer
With his right hand in the air and his left hand on two Bibles, President-elect Donald Trump proclaimed the oath that swore him into office on the Jan. 20: “I, Donald John Trump, do solemnly swear that I will 
faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help me God.”
Soon after he went to the podium and gave his inauguration speech promising to put “America first.” As he started his speech, President Trump stated with a spirit of perseverance, “We will face challenges. We will confront hardships, but we will get the job done.”
As he thanked President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their grace through the transitioning of presidents, he also addressed the state that Washington D.C. is in compared to that of the people.
According to the New York Times, President Trump expressed that “Washington flourished” but the United States citizens had no part in acquiring any of that wealth. He further made the point that, through this transition of presidency, it does not matter which party controls the government but that the power is put in the hands of the people of the United States.
President Trump asserted that the citizens of America will never be forgotten, and that our “… nation exists to serve its citizens.” He discussed some of the tragic realities that people live with day in and day out, promising to work to stop it. His tone was hopeful and ambitious when voicing the unity he wants for the American people: “We are one nation, and their pain is our pain. Their dreams are our dreams, and their success will be our success. We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny. The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans.”
Much of his speech used the same rhetoric about the concerns he had discussed throughout his campaign. With his use of pathos and patriotic themes throughout, he received many cheers and applause from the crowd that gathered to see him speak.
It’s important to not neglect to vote in local, state and federal elections in order to have your voice heard under the 45th president of the United States, Donald Trump.
Contact the author at ajames16@mail.wou.edu
