Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, delivered his first public speech since his decisive victory in the 2024 presidential election, addressing the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) Gala at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. The event marked a significant transition from his campaign to his upcoming administration, where Trump took the opportunity to celebrate his victory, express gratitude toward his supporters, and introduce several key figures who would play crucial roles in shaping the direction of his second term in office.
Trump wasted no time in declaring the 2024 election the "most consequential" in U.S. history. He emphasized the overwhelming popular support he received, which included 312 electoral votes, compared to 226 for his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump’s victory was particularly significant in that he successfully reclaimed several key battleground states, many of which had flipped to Joe Biden in 2020, contributing to Biden’s victory that year. "They would say, 'he didn't win the popular vote,'" Trump remarked, addressing the past criticism he faced in the wake of his 2016 victory. "Now, we won the popular vote by record, so nobody can say that any more about us," he said, making a bold statement that further cemented his triumph.
At the gala, Trump introduced several of his Cabinet picks and key administration officials, many of whom were in attendance to show their support. Among the notable figures were Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Indian-American biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. Trump highlighted the importance of their roles in his administration, particularly Musk, who was appointed to lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Alongside Ramaswamy, Musk is expected to drive efforts to streamline government operations, cut unnecessary expenditures, and improve the overall efficiency of federal agencies.
Trump praised Musk’s intellectual prowess, noting his “seriously high IQ,” and emphasized the pivotal role Musk had played in securing his victory. "His is about as high as they get," Trump remarked, reinforcing Musk’s image as one of the most influential figures in the U.S. and globally. Musk himself took to the stage to briefly address the crowd, reaffirming his commitment to reducing federal bureaucracy and ensuring that the Trump administration's policies would lead to a leaner, more efficient government. Musk’s comments were a clear signal of the administration's emphasis on reform and fiscal responsibility.
Another key figure introduced was Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was nominated by Trump to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, a controversial figure due to his vocal stance on vaccine safety, was welcomed by Trump for his passion and commitment to public health. Trump described Kennedy as someone “who wants to make people healthy,” acknowledging his longstanding advocacy on health issues, especially his opposition to vaccines he believed were linked to autism. In his typical candid style, Trump joked with Kennedy, saying, “Don’t get too popular, Bobby,” acknowledging the attention Kennedy's position might generate. Despite Kennedy's contentious views, Trump remained supportive of his commitment to improving healthcare in America.
Doug Burgum, the Governor of North Dakota, was also introduced as Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Department of the Interior. While Burgum's formal announcement was expected later, Trump mentioned him briefly, signaling his importance in shaping the next administration’s policies, particularly on environmental issues, land management, and Native American affairs. Trump hinted that more key decisions regarding other Cabinet positions, including the Secretary of Energy, would be forthcoming.
A significant portion of Trump's speech was dedicated to recognizing the work of the America First Policy Institute, which has played a vital role in shaping the Trump administration’s policy agenda. Trump expressed his gratitude toward AFPI leaders, including Linda McMahon and Brooke Rollins, for their tireless efforts in crafting and advocating for conservative policies that align with the "America First" vision. "I really want to congratulate Linda and Brooke for the job you’ve done. It’s an honor to be here," Trump said, highlighting the important role the institute would continue to play in his second term.
The gala also marked a transition from campaign mode to the serious business of governing. The ballroom at Mar-a-Lago was filled with Trump’s allies, family members, and high-profile supporters, including his son Donald Trump Jr., fiancée Kimberly Guilfoyle, former senior advisor Kellyanne Conway, and newly appointed Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman, was a notable addition to Trump’s team, further illustrating his ability to bridge political divides and bring together individuals from various ideological backgrounds. Also in attendance was House Speaker Mike Johnson, whose leadership within the Republican Party continues to align with Trump’s vision for the nation.
Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone, best known for his portrayal of the tough and resilient "Rocky" character, introduced Trump at the event. Drawing comparisons between Trump’s political journey and the iconic fighter’s perseverance, Stallone’s remarks added a cinematic flair to the evening. Interestingly, Vice President Kamala Harris held her final campaign rally on the famous "Rocky steps" in Philadelphia, providing a symbolic parallel between the two figures and their respective political fortunes.
The 2024 U.S. presidential election, held on November 5, saw Trump emerge victorious after a hard-fought campaign. His win marked a return to power for the Trump family, who had been emboldened by the success of his policies and the growing populist movement within the United States. As Trump prepares to take the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, the gala served as an opportunity to reflect on the road ahead. The event also included remarks from AFPI President Brooke Rollins, board chair Linda McMahon, and Argentine President Javier Milei, who expressed their support for Trump’s policies and vision.
Musk, following Trump’s speech, reiterated his commitment to eliminating unnecessary federal regulations and reducing bureaucracy. "We’re going to get it done," Musk said, signaling a clear message that the administration would prioritize efficiency and innovation in government operations. As the Trump administration takes shape, the AFPI Gala marked the beginning of what promises to be a transformative second term, one that will likely focus on fiscal responsibility, reducing government waste, and fostering innovation to strengthen the United States on the global stage.
