Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, marking a historic comeback with a promise to implement immediate and radical policy changes.
With one hand on a Bible gifted by his mother, Trump took the oath of office beneath the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, signifying the start of his second term. This rare indoor inauguration, the first since Ronald Reagan’s in 1985, was held due to the unusually cold weather in Washington, D.C.
In a symbolic gesture of unity, outgoing President Joe Biden accompanied Trump to the Capitol for the ceremony. The two leaders, along with their spouses, met for a traditional tea at the White House earlier in the day. Biden welcomed Trump with the words, “Welcome home,” as he handed over the reins of power.
The ceremony saw a mix of tradition and controversy, with Biden, former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton in attendance. However, former First Lady Michelle Obama was notably absent. The guest list also included prominent global figures such as Argentina’s right-wing President Javier Milei and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, breaking the norm of excluding foreign leaders from U.S. inaugurations.
Adding to the occasion were America’s elite, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Sundar Pichai, who joined Trump’s family and cabinet members. Musk, a key supporter of Trump’s campaign, is expected to lead cost-cutting initiatives in the new administration.
Policy Blitz and Nationalist Agenda
In his inaugural speech, Trump promised a “brand new day” for America, vowing to address what he described as “four years of American decline.” His administration plans to issue approximately 100 executive orders reversing Biden-era policies.
Among the initial actions are declaring a national emergency at the Mexico border, ending birthright citizenship, and granting the military a greater role in border security. Trump also plans to eliminate federal diversity programs and implement a directive recognizing only two biological sexes.
The president has pledged immediate deportations of undocumented migrants and a crackdown on illegal immigration, signaling a return to his nationalist and hardline policy agenda.
Trump’s Historic Return
At 78, Trump becomes the oldest U.S. president to take office, succeeding Biden, who held the record during his term. He is also the second president in American history to return to power after losing re-election, following Grover Cleveland in 1893.
Trump’s return comes with a cloud of controversy, including a criminal record related to hush money payments during his first presidential run. However, investigations into more serious allegations were dropped following his recent election victory.
Global Implications
Trump’s return to power has already sparked reactions globally. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated him and expressed willingness to discuss a resolution to the Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign promises, including sweeping tariffs and reconsidering U.S. aid to Ukraine, have raised concerns about potential disruptions to the global order.
As Trump begins his second term, the world watches closely, bracing for the unexpected.
(AFP)
