WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 – Donald Trump, 78, was inaugurated for his second term as President of the United States, vowing to reverse years of what he described as betrayal and decline. Speaking inside the U.S. Capitol’s Rotunda, Trump framed his return to power as a mission ordained by God.
“For the people of America, January 20, 2025, marks the day of liberation,” Trump proclaimed during his speech. His rhetoric echoed themes from his 2017 inauguration, highlighting issues like illegal immigration and the loss of jobs, which he claimed had devastated the nation. He reiterated controversial claims made during his campaign, emphasizing his belief that other nations were exploiting the U.S. and contributing to societal decline.
The ceremony marked a historic return for Trump, who had faced multiple legal challenges and political battles during his years out of office. Despite these hurdles, including convictions for falsifying business records, Trump celebrated his resilience. “I was saved by God to make America great again,” he declared, referencing a near-fatal assassination attempt in July that left him with a graze wound.
Trump is the first president to assume office as a convicted felon. However, he portrayed his journey as evidence of the American spirit. “In America, we achieve the impossible. I stand here as proof,” he said.
Policy Promises and Immediate Actions
Trump wasted no time outlining his priorities, starting with immigration reform. He announced plans to declare a national emergency at the southern border and pledged to halt illegal entries. “Millions of criminal aliens will be sent back to where they came from,” he said.
Prominent tech leaders, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, attended the ceremony. Musk’s enthusiasm was evident when Trump reiterated his goal of planting the U.S. flag on Mars—a vision Musk has long championed.
In a controversial move, Trump announced he would rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” and pledged to reassert U.S. control over the Panama Canal. These proposals have already drawn mixed reactions from international allies.
Historic Swearing-In Ceremony
The oath of office, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, signified Trump’s official return to the presidency. Vice President JD Vance also took his oath moments earlier.
Notably, several key political figures, including outgoing President Joe Biden and former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, attended the event. However, Michelle Obama notably chose to skip the ceremony.
The bitter tone of Trump’s speech stood in stark contrast to traditional calls for unity. Despite Biden’s presence, Trump launched a scathing critique of his predecessor’s policies, touching on issues ranging from foreign relations to economic strategies.
Contentious Executive Orders
Trump’s immediate executive orders included reinstating policies to recognize only two genders in official documents and directing agencies to evaluate trade relations with key nations. Some of these orders are expected to face legal challenges, especially from advocacy groups.
Despite speculation, Trump announced he would hold off on imposing new tariffs, surprising financial markets. The news triggered significant movements in global markets even as U.S. markets remained closed for the day.
A Nation Divided but Determined
Trump returns to the White House amid heightened political tension. Security around the inauguration was tight, reflecting a nation still grappling with political violence. The traditional parade down Pennsylvania Avenue was replaced with an indoor rally at Capital One Arena, underscoring safety concerns.
Despite winning the popular vote by more than two million, Trump’s victory remains a polarizing milestone. His plans to overhaul the federal government include prioritizing loyalty over experience in key appointments. This approach has already sparked debate in Washington.
As his administration begins, Trump has made it clear that his presidency will not be business as usual. His supporters view his return as a triumph of resilience and determination, while critics brace for the impact of his sweeping policy proposals.
The day concluded with a rally celebrating Trump’s victory, setting the stage for what promises to be a defining chapter in American history.