In an extraordinary return to power, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, marking one of the most remarkable political comebacks in U.S. history. Overcoming four criminal indictments and two assassination attempts, Trump recited the oath of office at an intimate ceremony inside the Capitol Rotunda, becoming the second former president, after Grover Cleveland, to serve non-consecutive terms.
“America’s Decline Is Over”
In his inaugural address, Trump declared, “The golden age of America begins right now. From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world.” He labeled his inauguration “liberation day” and promised sweeping changes to reverse what he called the failures of the previous administration.
Trump, 78, stood with Vice President JD Vance as he outlined a vision of aggressive policies, including mass deportations, expanded oil drilling, and new tariffs on foreign trade. “From this moment on, America’s decline is over,” he proclaimed.
Inauguration Highlights
The ceremony, moved indoors due to freezing temperatures, featured performances by opera singer Christopher Macchio and country star Carrie Underwood, whose a cappella rendition of “America the Beautiful” moved attendees. Notable figures in attendance included former presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with tech magnates Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg.
Sweeping Agenda for “Common Sense”
Trump pledged to enact over 100 executive orders in his first day in office. Key initiatives include:
- Declaring a national emergency at the southern border.
- Increasing domestic oil production under the slogan “drill, baby, drill.”
- Recognizing only two genders in federal policy.
- Designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
- Renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
He also promised a renewed focus on space exploration, vowing to land Americans on Mars. “We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars,” he said.
A Troubled Path to Power
Trump’s second inauguration follows years of controversy. His first term was marked by two impeachments, and his departure from office in 2021 was overshadowed by the January 6 Capitol attack. Since then, he faced multiple legal battles, including a conviction related to hush money payments and charges of election interference in Georgia.
Despite the legal challenges, Trump campaigned successfully on a platform of populism, securing victories in battleground states and expanding his coalition among Hispanic, Black, and younger voters.
Unity and Retribution
While calling for unity, Trump also signaled a presidency focused on retribution, vowing “never again will the immense power of the state be weaponized to persecute political opponents.” He referenced his own legal struggles, declaring, “The American people have spoken. Many thought this comeback was impossible, but here I am.”
A Divided Nation Faces the Future
Trump’s presidency promises a seismic shift in U.S. domestic and foreign policy, with a focus on protectionism, energy independence, and an “America First” agenda. Critics, including many Democrats, fear a presidency marked by retribution and division.
As Trump concluded his address, he declared: “We will stand bravely, we will live proudly, we will dream boldly. From this day on, the United States of America will be a free, sovereign, and independent nation.”
The nation now enters an era that promises both hope and uncertainty under Trump’s leadership.
