The Full Story
"Searing, blistering, attacking"
President Donald J. Trump's 2017 Presidential Inaugural Address was highly criticized by the media and labeled as "divisive" and "attacking Washington and promising a new hope for Americans who want to dream big."
"Power back to the People"
"Today’s ceremony, however, has a very special meaning because today we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another or from one party to another, but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the people.
"For too long, a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have born the cost. Washington flourished, but the people did not share in its wealth. Politicians prospered but the jobs left and the factories closed.
"The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country. Their victories have not been your victories. Their triumphs have not been your triumphs. And while they celebrated in our nation’s capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land.
"That all changes starting right here and right now, because this moment is your moment.
"It belongs to you.
"It belongs to everyone gathered here today and everyone watching all across America.
"This is your day.
"This is your celebration.
"And this, the United States of America, is your country.
"What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people.
"January 20th, 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again."
Military line up behind president and then "about face"
Historically, the U.S. Military has not stood behind a U.S. President during the opening remarks of his Inaugural Address.
In 2017, military from different branches walked up behind President Trump as he was speaking. After one officer walked past all of them, on his command, they all did an abrupt "about face" and walked off with their backs to the newly sworn in Commander-in-Chief of the United States military.
To turn your back on the President, whether intentional or not, would be a clear violation of Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) U.S.C. Section 888, Article 88, titled “Contempt Toward Officials".
Military saluting the Commander-in-Chief, President Donald J. Trump, at his January 20, 2017 Presidential Inauguration.
President Donald J. Trump's 2017 Inaugural Address. Military has not customarily stood behind any U.S. President during Inauguration Day proceedings and turning your back on the President (particularly during his Inaugural Address) would be a clear violation of Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) U.S.C. Section 888, Article 88, titled “Contempt Toward Officials".
President Donald J. Trump enters the 2020 Army vs. Navy football game to large cheers and support from the military in attendance.
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