Donald Trump officially began his historic second term as president on Monday, pronouncing the start of a “golden age” for the United States. The 78-year-old Republican leader, now the oldest president to take office, delivered his inaugural address inside the US Capitol, which was moved indoors due to the chilly weather.
“The golden age of America begins right now. From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world,” Trump announced to a supportive audience. His speech was both optimistic and critical, as he denounced what he described as a “radical and corrupt establishment” that had undermined the nation’s foundations.
“For many years, a radical and corrupt establishment has extracted power and wealth from our citizens while the pillars of our society lay broken and seemingly in complete disrepair,” he stated. “From this moment on, America’s decline is over.”
Historic Swearing-In and Immediate Plans
Trump took the oath of office using a Bible gifted by his mother, officially becoming the 47th president of the United States. He was accompanied to the Capitol by outgoing President Joe Biden, who upheld tradition by welcoming Trump and his wife, Melania, to the White House with tea.
“Welcome home,” Biden said as he greeted the Trumps alongside First Lady Jill Biden.
Trump’s second term is set to kick off with a flurry of executive orders, targeting key issues such as immigration and cultural debates. “I will declare a national emergency at our southern border,” Trump announced to cheers from supporters inside the ornate Rotunda. He also pledged to deport “millions and millions” of undocumented immigrants and end birthright citizenship.
Powerful Backing and Restored Traditions
The inauguration reflected Trump’s elevated status among America’s elite. Notable attendees included tech magnates Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Sundar Pichai, who sat alongside Trump’s family and cabinet members. Musk, a major campaign donor, is expected to spearhead cost-cutting initiatives in the new administration.
This inauguration also marked a return to certain traditions. Biden, joined by former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, attended the ceremony. However, Michelle Obama was notably absent, in contrast to former first ladies Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush, who were present.
A Nationalist Agenda Takes Shape
Trump’s agenda for his second term includes around 100 executive orders aimed at dismantling Biden’s policies. These orders prioritize nationalist policies, including granting the military a larger role in border security and repealing birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants.
Unusually for a US inauguration, foreign leaders such as Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attended the ceremony. Bitter cold weather kept the event indoors, the first time since Ronald Reagan’s 1985 inauguration.
Controversies and Pardons
Trump’s return to power is unprecedented, making him the second president in history after Grover Cleveland to serve non-consecutive terms. His controversial past, including legal battles over hush-money payments and other criminal investigations, looms over his presidency. These investigations were dropped following his November election victory.
In his final hours as president, Biden issued pre-emptive pardons for his siblings and former officials, including Anthony Fauci and Mark Milley, shielding them from potential investigations. Biden also left a private letter for Trump, continuing the tradition of outgoing presidents.
Global Reactions and Uncertainty
Trump’s return has stirred global anticipation and concern. His proposed policies include sweeping tariffs, re-evaluating US aid to Ukraine, and making territorial claims over Greenland and Panama. Russian President Vladimir Putin extended congratulations to Trump, expressing hope for peace talks regarding the Ukraine conflict.
As Trump begins his second term, the world watches with bated breath, bracing for a presidency poised to challenge norms and redefine the global order.
