Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address: A Model for Trump’s First Inauguration
By Hugh Hewitt
Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address is considered by many to be the best speech ever given by an American president, even greater than his Gettysburg Address. Given the challenging backdrop of a shattered country with over 600,000 killed in the civil war, Lincoln’s speech is a testament to his eloquence and leadership. As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take the oath of office, he has a unique opportunity to address the nation and inspire hope for the future.
Trump’s inauguration will be met with a very different backdrop from Lincoln’s. The past four years have been marked by bleak moments and world events have become more dire for the United States. Enemies are no longer countrymen in arms, but numerous and undefeated. Despite this, Trump’s supporters are optimistic about the future, while others fear his presidency.
In his inaugural address, Trump should address his enemies abroad, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. He must convey that the United States will not be intimidated and that a second “American century” will continue. Trump should also speak to his domestic opponents, using humor to ease their concerns about his commitment to the economy and security.
Finally, Trump must paint a picture of the real hopes for prosperity and peace that Americans can achieve if they work together to slay the bureaucratic beast of government and restore military might.
As President Ronald Reagan once said, “Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” Trump should quote this and reinvigorate the nation’s military power. Unpredictability is a feature of the returning president and it is an asset, especially against enemies.
Ultimately, Trump must exude optimism and hope, inspiring Americans to believe in a brighter future. With his unique abilities, Trump can inspire the nation, just as Lincoln did, to strive for a just and lasting peace.