Donald Trump told supporters in Washington before returning to the White House that he would impose strict restrictions on immigration on his first day in office, vowing to quickly fulfill his key campaign promise.
"At sunset, the occupation of our country will be over," he said to cheers from his supporters at the Capital One sports and concert hall.
President-elect Trump reiterated his campaign pledge to undertake the largest deportation effort in United States history.
It was his first major speech in Washington since his speech on January 6, 2021, before the attack on the Capitol by a crowd of his supporters.
Thousands of supporters of the President-elect waited in the cold and rain for hours to attend his victory rally.
Trump has said he will pardon many of the more than 1,500 people convicted or charged in connection with the attack. Trump's rally on Sunday, along with his inaugural address on Monday, could set the tone of his second term in the White House.
A source familiar with his plans said border security will feature prominently in Trump's first executive orders on Monday, which are likely to include classifying drug cartels as "foreign terrorist organizations" as well as declaring a state of emergency at the US-Mexico border.
Earlier on Sunday, Trump had breakfast with Republican US senators near the White House.
He then laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday.
The "Make America Great Again Victory Rally" began at 3 p.m. at Capital One Arena, an indoor stadium for hockey and basketball games and a designated site for some of Monday's inauguration festivities, after forecasts of bitterly cold weather prompted officials to cancel planned outdoor celebrations.
The line of supporters, many wearing the trademark red Trump jackets and MAGA hats, stretched for several blocks in downtown Washington. Some chanted "USA! USA!" and others spoke into megaphones as they waited.
Large areas of the capital, around the Capitol and the White House, have been blocked off by steel fences since last week and there has been an increased police presence throughout the area.
President-elect Trump's rally, along with his inaugural address on Monday, could provide a glimpse of the tone he plans to strike during his second term in the White House.
In recent weeks, he has surprised allied countries by expressing his opinion on taking over Greenland and the Panama Canal, as well as turning Canada into a state of the United States.
Immigration is expected to be the subject of President-elect Trump's first executive actions after taking office, along with energy issues and policies aimed at promoting diversity, equality and inclusion, his incoming national security adviser, Mike Waltz, told CBS television channel.
"The American people gave him a clear mandate. Close our border, deport the worst of the worst, deal with the cartels," Mr. Waltz said in an interview on "Face the Nation."
Mr. Trump's agenda was also thought to be a possible topic during his breakfast with Republican senators at Blair House, the building across from the White House that is used for various events. Top Republican senators, including John Cornyn, Susan Collins, Ted Cruz, Rick Scott and Tim Scott, were among those seen leaving the event on Sunday.
The rally was expected to bear similarities to the free speeches that have been a staple since his first presidential campaign in 2016. VOA (A2 Televizion)
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