This was not a traditional inaugural address in which the president tries to reach out to those who didn’t support him. Stephen Farnsworth, professor and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, said previous Republican presidents such as Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush extended olive branches to opponents in hopes of unifying the nation.
“Donald Trump wants to distinguish himself from previous presidents,” Farnsworth said. “It appears his combative campaign style will be replaced with a combative governing style.”
Calling it “vintage Trump,” he said, “His inaugural address was consistent with his campaign themes. It was aggressive and made it clear where he wants to take this country.”
