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In his second inaugural address on Monday, President Donald Trump painted a bleak picture of the nation he leads. He then intensified his rhetoric by turning to his supporters, delivering a lengthy speech that he claimed his advisors had recommended against—one filled with complaints, dramatic gestures, and self-praise.

“I think this speech was better than the one I gave upstairs,” Trump remarked as he approached what he deemed a necessary conclusion. “You all received the A-plus treatment.”

Merely an hour into his second term, Trump reiterated his claims about having won the 2016 election, dismissed the realities surrounding January 6, 2021, and took swipes at opponents like Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, Liz Cheney, and Adam Kinzinger, whom he derisively labeled “a super-cryer. I’ve never seen him without tears.”

Although the familiar dynamics of Trump’s Washington have returned, this does not equate to a milder tone. On the contrary, all signs indicate a more severe and confrontational agenda is on the horizon.

When Trump first stepped into Washington eight years ago, he astonished the political establishment with a speech famously dubbed “American Carnage.” His recent address mirrored that same angry, grim sentiment but lacked the polish that some had hoped might foreshadow a less hostile second term. The abrasive tone clearly suggested that Trump’s second term would unfold without major limitations.

“From this moment on, America’s decline is over,” Trump proclaimed during the prepared segment of the address while his predecessor looked on.

Nevertheless, Trump mentioned that Vice President J.D. Vance and First Lady Melania Trump encouraged him to tone down the main address. However, after taking the oath and watching President Joe Biden leave the Capitol for one last ride on Marine One, Trump proceeded to the Capitol Visitors Center to present the unfiltered version resembling the chaotic performance he delivered the previous evening at a sports arena.

“They said, ‘Please don’t mention that right now. You can talk about it tomorrow.’ I said, ‘How about now?’” Trump noted during his retake of the inaugural address, hinting at the possibility of pardons for those who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

This finale epitomized a campaign season characterized by four indictments, one conviction, and two assassination attempts.

The excitement surrounding Trump is intensifying. In recent coordinated remarks, those in his inner circle have made it clear that a return to business as usual is unlikely after Monday’s noon hour.

“Goodbye, Joe Biden. Goodbye, Kamala Harris. Goodbye, Democrats. And welcome to the golden age of America,” declared Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, during a campaign rally the night prior.

Read More: ‘He’s at the Apex of Power Now’: A Preview of Trump’s Second Term

At another moment, former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly took aim at celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Meryl Streep, and Oprah Winfrey.

“In America, we have the right to free speech; we are entitled to offend, provoke, annoy, and advocate for our beliefs, even when they are controversial,” she stated. “We should not feel obligated to adopt the terminology you impose on us, such as preferred pronouns or terms like anti-racist or chest-beating.”

This combative atmosphere was palpable throughout the events welcoming Trump back. As crowds gathered in Washington, it became clear that much of the energized political movement was eager to seize its moment of authority. This fighting spirit could lead to unforeseen disruptions in Washington.

Trump returned to office with promises to cut taxes, tackle inflation, reduce prices, boost wages, and revive domestic manufacturing. On the international stage, he pledged to end the war in Ukraine, stabilize the Middle East, and adopt a more aggressive approach toward China. While he has since backtracked on some of these pledges, they were enough to rally voters to support him over Kamala Harris, who watched from the front row on Monday as her rival claimed the prize she had sought while he vowed to plant a U.S. flag on Mars.

“This is what victory feels like,” proclaimed Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, at a rally following the formal transfer of power on Monday afternoon. “I’m incredibly excited about the future.”

The theme of retribution was also highlighted, especially concerning former health czar Anthony Fauci, who received a preemptive pardon from Biden in his final hours.

“I’ve never met anyone in prison for crimes as severe as those individuals,” remarked former Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro, referring to Fauci and others. “It’s time for some accountability, perhaps.”

This assertive rhetoric originated from Trump himself, who energized both himself and his supporters. “Here I am. The American people have made their choice,” Trump declared in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday.

Now, Americans are keenly awaiting how this will unfold.

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