Trump Makes Pledges In Speech

(DTN) -- Donald J. Trump became the 45th president of the United States Friday with a speech vowing "America first" as he promised more, better-paying jobs, stronger border security, lower taxes, better trade deals, new infrastructure, better schools and a safer country. "I will fight for you with every breath in my body -- and I will never, ever let you down," Trump said. "America will start winning again, winning like never before." In Trump's blunt, direct style, he told the country that the time for empty talk is over and now is a time for action. He spoke to the "forgotten men and women" who will be forgotten no longer. Trump also lashed out at Washington elites who have "reaped the rewards of government" while the average American did not share in the wealth. Describing the country as full of poverty, "rusted-out factories" with a poor education system and a nation filled with crime, Trump said, "This American carnage stops right here and stops right now." Reiterating a strong theme from his campaign, Trump added that foreign countries have for too long taken advantage of the U.S. in trade deals, or security and allowed the U.S. to crumble while jobs went overseas and the middle class in the U.S. collapsed. "From this moment on, it's going to be America first," Trump said. "Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families." Trump added that his administration would rebuild American wealth and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, airports and railways. People would get off welfare and back to work, he added. Further, Trump said the country will have two simple rules: "Buy American and hire American." With that, the country will thrive and prosper again, he said.