President Trump said Monday he will usher in a “golden age” for the U.S., pledging to build a prosperous and free economy, put America’s interests above other nations’ and end the “weaponization” of the Department of Justice.

“The golden age of America begins right now,” Mr. Trump said in his inaugural address in the Capitol Rotunda. “From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected all over the world.”

Mr. Trump rattled off a list of ills that must be fixed, from a broken health care system to an education system that teaches children to “hate” their country.

“All of this will change today, and will change very quickly,” Mr. Trump said, with former President Joe Biden seated behind him. “America’s decline is over.”

He blamed a corrupt establishment for enriching themselves while others fall behind, and accused politicians of allowing illegal immigrants to flow into the country.

He took a direct shot at Mr. Biden, saying leaders are pouring money into foreign nations while North Carolina suffers from hurricane damage and Los Angeles deals with raging fires.

SEE ALSO: Trump to rename the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska’s Mount Denali

“I will very simply put America first,” he said.

• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.

• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.