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Pacific Delegates 'Look Forward' To Working With Trump
Mark Rabago, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent
Delegates from the US-aligned Pacific have spoken about working with the new US president for their territories.
They have each congratulated President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance following their inauguration today.
Donald Trump has been sworn in as the president of the United States of America for the second time.
Trump announced on Friday that frigid temperatures meant the inauguration would have to be moved inside the Capitol building.
Northern Marianas delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds, a first-term congresswoman and Republican, offered her congratulations.
"I'm looking forward to working with him and his team to find and bring opportunities to the CNMI to uplift the lives of the people who call these islands home."
Delegate Uifa'atali Amata Radewagen, a three-term Republican representative from American Samoa, said she couldn't emphasize more the importance of America's adherence to democracy, as symbolized by the peaceful transition of power from former president Joe Biden to Trump.
She said the start of 2025 is a time of optimism.
"President Trump, Congress, and the American people want a nation that is strong, secure, flourishing, and at peace.
"I look forward to working with this administration, American Samoa's government, and my colleagues in Congress in a bipartisan way for what is best for American Samoa and the Pacific region."
Read more:
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Guam Delegate James Moylan, who like King-Hinds and Radewagen is a Republican, said he looks forward to working with the new administration in advancing the interests of the US insular areas.
"I... am optimistic that their leadership will transcend into a stronger economy, military, and border policies.
"I am also excited about working with the new administration and Congress in my capacity to further Guam's agenda, and to ensure that territories are provided the priority attention we deserve."
In his address, President Trump spoke of the golden age of America beginning right now, but said the country must be honest about the challenges it faces.
He said his administration will move with speed to bring back hope to the Amercian people.
His address also touched on a string of familiar policy themes and promises - including that he will take back the Panama Canal.
The US Constitution mandates that each new president's term begin at noon on 20 January.
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