By Lindsay Press and Hank Russell
Elected officials from Long Island and New York State watched the inauguration of Donald J. Trump and listened to his vision for the country. While most expressed joy and optimism in what Trump said during his 30-minute speech, some felt dismayed in the positions he will take as president.
On January 20, Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. In his speech, he drove home the idea that the country will reclaim its title as a world superpower. “The golden age of America begins right now,” he said. “From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world. We will be the envy of every nation. And we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer. … Our sovereignty will be reclaimed.”
Those who viewed the inauguration said they felt rejuvenated now that Trump was back in office.
“This day brings renewed hope and a bold vision for the future, focused on revitalizing the economy, securing our borders, and creating new opportunities for all Americans,” Suffolk County GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia posted on Instagram, “Our cities will be safer and more affordable. This inaugural is not about politics. It is a call for unity–bringing together people from all walks of life under a common goal: to restore the American dream and ensure that everyone has a stake in our shared future.”
On Instagram, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman called Trump’s speech “the most uplifting and powerful Inaugural speech since George Washington.” He also praised Trump for signing the executive order to define genders male or female. Blakeman signed into law last July a bill banning transgender girls and women from playing girls’ and women’s sports at county facilities. It has since been challenged by Attorney Letitia James and the New York Civil Liberty Union.
“President Trump’s order will bring sanity after four years of attacks on women’s sports, safety, and privacy,” Blakeman told the New York Post.
“A new direction is on the horizon–one that prioritizes securing our border, revitalizing the economy, and restoring American strength on the world stage.” U.S. Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Rocky Point) said on Twitter/X. “Today we celebrate leadership that puts Americans FIRST, and witness the start of a new chapter in our nation’s history. Long Island is ready to move forward with bold leadership and unwavering patriotism.”
U.S. Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Patchogue) posted on Twitter/X, “Today also marks an important day for our nation as we witness the peaceful transfer of power and beginning of President @realDonaldTrump‘s second term. I look forward to working with our new leadership to deliver results for Long Island and our country!”
But some people were in total disagreement with Trump’s policies. Attorney General Letitia James blasted the president for signing an executive order that would end birthright citizenship, calling it “an attempt to sow division and fear.” She said her office is “reviewing [its] legal options.”
On his Instagram page, U.S. Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) said there were “many parts of Trump’s speech that I disagreed with or found to be inappropriate,” but noted he will work with the president on many issues, especially “stopping illegal immigration, deporting criminals and targeting the cartels and organized crime profiting from human exploitation at the southern border. These should be shared priorities for our nation.”
Trump also signed executive orders on the environment, which included pulling the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accords. Governor Kathy Hochul, co-chair of the United States Climate Alliance, issued a statement with co-chair Governor Lujan Grisham of New Mexico. “We will not turn our back on America’s commitments. For our health and our future, we will press forward.”
In concluding his inauguration speech, Trump stated, “From this day on, the United States of America will be a free, sovereign, and independent nation. We will stand bravely. We will live proudly. We will dream boldly, and nothing will stand in our way. Because we are Americans. The future is ours. And our golden age has just begun.”