Rhetorical Analysis Of Donald Trump's Inaugural Address

On January 20, 2017, the forty-fifth President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, stood on the steps of the U.S. capital and delivered a speech for the beginning of his presidential term. Trump delivers his speech by briefly discussing the changes he will carry out to “Make America Great Again”, and he vows to always put America first. As Trump gives the people an outline of what he will do to change America, he delivers that he will continue to keep his key promises that he has stated throughout the presidential campaign. President Donald Trump approaches broad issues associated with politics and the economy in his inauguration speech by implying that he will make a positive change to the country.

The President states that the

citizens of America, including himself, are “joined together in national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise to the people.” (Trump) For the next few years as President, Trump implies that he will put the course of America on track and restore the promises this country has given to the people. By putting America first, everything that has happened during the last presidential term will substantially change. Instead of accepting politicians who are “all talk”, it is time for the citizens of America to stop complaining and take action for what they believe in. Trump implies that the country will not fail but instead it will thrive and prosper again. The people’s voices, dreams and hopes of this country will be heard to define America's destiny and make America great again.
President Trump starts his speech with an optimistic message to appeal all American citizens and states that he is thankful for all the previous presidents that have helped to create a smooth transition.

Trump depicted that the United States was a land of “abandoned factories, economic angst, rising crime and dystopian "carnage." (Page) Previous presidents tend to deliver an inauguration speech using positive language to form unity and non-partisanship (Graham). Unlike former presidents, he stated the real issues America faces today without worrying about being “politically correct.” If you want change to take place, notice the issues and take action. Trump acknowledged what the nation was dealing with and promised the people that change will take place in this

country.
“But for too many of our citizens, a different reality exists: Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities; rusted-out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation; an education system, flush with cash, but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of knowledge; and the crime and gangs and drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential.” (Trump)
The President pivots to offer a new vision that will govern our land by speaking about the current affairs this country is facing today.

Trump pledged that “From this moment on, it’s going to be America First.” (Trump) Throughout his entire presidential campaign, he returns by stating that America will win again by bringing back jobs, borders, dreams, and wealth. Trump promises that the time for empty talk is over and it is time to take action. This country will thrive and prosper

again.
From previous inauguration speeches from former presidents, President Donald Trump delivered a speech that focused on political and economic affairs instead of “bringing light to the situation.” He acknowledged the real issues society is facing today and promised the country that change will take place. Addressing these issues and stating what actions will take place, shows the commitment to keeping the promises for this country. The central point that Trump offers is a new vision that will govern the nation. He states “I will fight for you with every breath in my body – and I will never, ever let you down.” By speaking up for the citizens of America and not worrying about being “politically correct”, changes will take place.
President Donald Trump approaches broad issues associated with politics and the economy in his inauguration speech by implying that he will make a positive change to the country. The central point is to focus on the idea that Trump is going to let America be first. He strives for the idea to “Make America Great Again” and to make changes to this country. This speech addresses the issues and the actions that will resolve those issues in the next few years serving his presidential term.