‘American Carnage 2: Ultimate Carnage’: Best and Worst Moments From Trump’s Inaugural Address

Opinion|‘American Carnage 2: Ultimate Carnage’: Best and Worst Moments From Trump’s Inaugural Address

President Trump delivered a searing Inaugural Address on Monday, taking aim at the Biden administration, which he accused of a “horrible betrayal,” and promising to make the United States the “envy of every nation,” “proud, prosperous and free.” Here’s what Times Opinion columnists and contributors thought of his speech.

Best Moment

Kristen Soltis Anderson I enjoyed the closing: “Ambition is the lifeblood of a great nation.” The call to adventure and greatness was powerful. Yes, we got “American decline,” but the theme was not decline. It was this: “I return to the presidency confident and optimistic.”

Josh Barro Trump promised to “export American energy all over the world” — a shrewd move that would grow the economy, lower consumer prices, offer Europe a reliable alternative to Russian gas and leave us less at the mercy of OPEC.

Ross Douthat It was a tie between him promising to plant the Stars and Stripes on Mars and to rename Denali Mount McKinley.

David French “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” It was beautifully performed, and I found it both inspiring and out of place with the MAGA ethos. It was a Union anthem sung at the inauguration of a man who tried to instigate an insurrection.

Mara Gay Trump’s acknowledgment that the American government “confronts a crisis of trust,” which is true. I enjoyed watching him reaffirm his commitment to tariffs in front of a room of billionaires required to applaud him.