AP
The Issue: President Trump’s speech during the inauguration ceremonies at the Capitol on Monday.
Some pundits criticized President Trump’s inaugural address as inappropriate and cringeworthy because he lambasted Joe Biden’s years in office as the ex-president sat there and was forced to listen (“The Inauguration,” Jan. 21).
Under ordinary circumstances, this speech could be deemed outside the norm.
However, no other candidate that I remember has been so vilified by all sides like Trump.
Trump cited the weaponization of government against him.
Was he wrong?
I think not.
He was correct to describe, one by one, the policy failures of the Biden years.
I gave him a pass on every word he said.
Phil Serpico
Queens
I’ve never seen such a well-organized swearing in as President Trump’s second go-round.
It was done with good taste and was so important for the world to see.
Trump showed such respect for the outgoing administration, saying what had to be said respectfully and gracefully.
May God bless him and keep him safe to start a new era of peace and prosperity.
Mo Colarusso
Manhattan
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Trump’s definitions of “peacemaker” and “unifier” differ dramatically from my own.
I find it difficult, if not impossible, to believe that taking back the Panama Canal, especially if the threat of force is implied, is the action of a “peacemaker.”
In what universe is it considered “unifying” when entire groups of people are ostracized, including immigrants and transgender Americans?
Trump’s second inaugural speech is hypocritical at best and un-American, at its very worst.
But then again, what else would you expect?
Bob Ory
Chicago, Ill.
“Liberation” is the appropriate word for the mood of the inauguration.
It signaled the restoration of our nation’s values and priorities and the removal of Biden’s actions, which put a stranglehold on our country.
I’m glad that all levels of society, such as judges, teachers and law enforcement, can stop living in fear of job loss and public condemnation for opposing the Biden agenda.
Additionally, our media outlets will return to focusing on journalist integrity and factual, not opinionated, news.
Greg Raleigh
Washington, DC
Trump’s inauguration ceremony is the most ridiculous example of DC’s proclivity to waste money on itself.
Something that should be simple, quick and business-like turned into something like a Hollywood award ceremony. It is a perfect illustration of how the elites believe they’re better than the rest of us.
This is not an auspicious start for Trump.
It also portends badly for the next few years.
We should prepare for disappointment.
Barry McIntyre
Calgary, Canada
The American people have made it clear they reject identity politics and the woke culture war that has been waged by the left over these past several years.
They reject censorship, weaponization of the justice system and the failure of the government to enforce laws and protect our citizens.
They reject DEI and the attempts to end the fairness that has been our greatest strength.
I will be the first to admit that I was losing hope and faith in America.
I see now that we were lost but are strong again.
Charles Sitero
Ormond Beach, Fla.
At 12:01 p.m. on Jan. 20, a great weight was lifted off the shoulders of Americans, when President Trump took the oath of office in the Capitol.
I felt joy, happiness and relief that finally we were rid of the failed Biden administration, which thrust hardship on the American people for four years.
Trump’s uplifting and unifying speech certainly made Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris uncomfortable during the first 10 minutes.
I hope we can get back to a safe and prosperous United States of America as soon as possible.
We have certainly earned it after the four disastrous years of former President Biden.
Richard Ketay
Newark, NJ
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