President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence welcomed members of the U.S. military and members of Congress to the Whitehouse Friday to begin preparations for the inauguration of President Donald Trumps first 100 days in office.

The president arrived at the WhiteHouse on the South Lawn, flanked by Chief of Staff John Kelly, Defense Secretary James Mattis, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Pence, First Lady Melania Trump, First Daughter Ivanka Trump, son-in-law Jared Kushner and daughter-in to Mr. Trump’s daughter Ivanka.

Trump told the crowd that he and his family have been “brought back from the brink” and “we are living through the most exciting time in American history.”

“I’m the most successful president we’ve ever had,” Trump said, adding, “the American people will be very happy to see me in the Oval Office.”

He added, “I’ve spent my entire life fighting for you, for your freedom, and you know, I’m not going to stop fighting.”

“I want to thank everybody, I want to make sure we’re having a very smooth transition, but I also want to let everybody know that I’m looking forward to the inauguration, the inauguration day, as the most productive president I’ve ever been,” Trump added.

He continued, “You know, we’re very excited about the new administration, but we also want everybody to know that we are in good hands.

We are going to make it a great transition.”

Trump has already announced he is going to be in Washington on Friday.

He will be signing executive orders to ease restrictions on travel to the U: “We will also be taking executive actions to keep Americans safe from radical Islamic terrorists, including reinstating the travel ban,” the president said.

As for the future of the Iran nuclear deal, Trump said “we’re working on a very big deal with Iran, but right now I’m focused on our military and security.

We’re going to get it done.”

Trump added that he will soon be signing an executive order to reduce the number of U.N. Security Council members and increase the number, “so that the United Nations can function.”

He also said he will be working on the “best possible deal for our country, and that’s what we’re going on right now.”

“So, you know what?

We’re in a new administration,” Trump told the group.

“We’re in the midst of a very exciting time.”

The president also welcomed his daughter Ivanka Trump to the podium to begin a speech on Friday, praising the family’s “talent, creativity and dedication to America.”

Trump said his family has been blessed to have her in the position of being president.

“Our family is incredibly blessed to know and have you as our daughter,” Trump stated.

On Friday, he told the American people that he is “excited” to be sworn in as the 45th president.

“We are thrilled that we have the opportunity to have you in the role of our President,” Trump continued.

“And I want you to know, you’ve been an incredible part of this family, you’re the most talented person I know, and I’m very proud of you.”

Trump also announced his plans to expand military recruitment to the United States, which was previously restricted to those from seven European nations.

“The first 100days of our presidency, we are going into the White Houses first 100 day in office and we’re making good progress,” Trump announced.

“This is the time for real change.

This is the moment to show what America can be.

We have been very fortunate and grateful to have this opportunity.

And I want the next 100 days to be a turning point, because we have to get to work.”

The president’s speech was made on the sidelines of the American Legion National Convention, where he received the Legion’s Congressional Gold Medal for Service.

The Republican-controlled Congress passed legislation that allows the president to temporarily waive sanctions against Iran while also extending the president’s authority to launch airstrikes against Syria.

The legislation was introduced by Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas and was passed by the Senate on May 23, 2017, but has yet to be signed into law.

Follow Caroline on Twitter: @carolinebarnett