During his inaugural address after being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump announced a series of bold initiatives, including renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The declaration prompted laughter from twice-failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who was in attendance at the event.
Clinton, who lost to Trump in the 2016 presidential election, was seen laughing during the announcement, which Trump made while emphasizing his administration’s goals of restoring national pride and global respect.
In his address, Trump highlighted his desire to be remembered as a “peacemaker and unifier” and announced a significant diplomatic achievement: the release of hostages from the Middle East. “As of yesterday, one day before I assumed office, the hostages in the Middle East are coming back home to their families,” Trump said.
He went on to announce a series of measures aimed at reclaiming what he described as America’s rightful legacy. “A short time from now, we are going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America,” Trump said. He also reiterated his administration’s intent to restore the original name of Mount McKinley, named after the 25th president, replacing the Obama administration’s 2015 decision to rename it Mount Denali.
Another major announcement during the speech was Trump’s pledge to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, which he argued was unjustly handed over to Panama. “The United States spent more money than ever before on a project, and 38,000 lives were lost in the building of the Panama Canal,” Trump said, describing the transfer of control as a “foolish gift” that should never have been made.
Trump criticized Panama for what he described as violations of the original treaty and accused the nation of treating American ships unfairly, particularly regarding excessive fees. He also expressed concern over China’s current role in operating the canal. “China is operating the Panama Canal, and we didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back,” he stated.
Trump’s speech reflected his administration’s overarching goal of restoring American sovereignty and economic strength. These bold proclamations, including renaming significant landmarks and reclaiming strategic assets, signal the president’s determination to prioritize American interests.
As the ceremony concluded, Reverend Franklin Graham offered a prayer, thanking God for Trump’s leadership and the opportunities ahead for the nation. For Trump, the inauguration marked another milestone in his political journey, solidifying his place as a leader focused on reshaping America’s role at home and abroad.
