Opinion | Trump Has Everyone Just Where He Wants Them

During his speech, the former president couldn’t resist praising himself, claiming, “We’re getting great reviews on the speech.” He promised the audience the “A-plus treatment,” emphasizing that he never delivers anything less than top-notch. He shared insights into his Inaugural Address, revealing that Melania and JD Vance convinced him to remove praise for the Jan. 6 rioters, who he referred to as “hostages.”

Despite facing criticism for his actions on Jan. 6, Trump remained unapologetic, attacking his detractors such as Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, and Nancy Pelosi. He even took a jab at Hillary Clinton, commenting on her demeanor but acknowledging her as “a very nice person.”

The event also saw a tense moment when Mike Pence sought advice from Dan Quayle on certifying Biden’s win, with Quayle advising Pence to stay firm in his decision. This incident served as a stark reminder of the chaos that unfolded on that fateful day in the Capitol.