Donald Trump took the oath of office on January 22, 2024, during his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, marking his return to the White House amid heightened security measures and controversial plans for his term.
The ceremony, which began at 11:30 AM local time at the Capitol, was held indoors due to extreme cold. Over 25,000 police and military personnel were deployed around Washington to maintain security as Trump’s inauguration attracted significant attention and large crowds.
Invited to witness the historic event were all living former U.S. Presidents, notable business figures such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, and international leaders including Argentina's Javier Milei and Italy's Giorgia Meloni. Among the attendees, Biden's welcoming of Trump back—captured on social media—signified the tradition of peaceful transition, marking this event as another high point of American political history.
During his inauguration speech, Trump proclaimed, "The golden age of America begins now," signaling his intent to revitalize the nation’s standing on the global stage. He reiterated his campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again," describing himself as divinely chosen to lead America back to greatness after what he termed a decade of decline. What followed was his ambitious agenda, which he indicated would be executed with urgency.
Among Trump's announcements was his goal to send American astronauts to Mars, carrying the U.S. flag, stating, “We will carry our fate to the stars.” Such aspirations demonstrate his administration's focus on space exploration and national pride. Trump also made headlines with his controversial public declarations, including his plan to reclaim sovereignty over the Panama Canal, which he claims was improperly ceded. "We did not give it to China; we gave it to Panama. And we will take it back," he asserted.
Further, he proposed renaming North America’s highest peak, Denali, to its historical name, Mount McKinley, and suggested addressing the Gulf of Mexico as "Gulf of America." These symbolic gestures reflect a desire to reshape America's identity under his leadership.
Trump announced plans to formally recognize only two genders, stating, "There will be official policy to recognize only two genders—man and woman." This statement adds to the divisive debates surrounding gender identity. He also reaffirmed his commitment to rolling back environmental regulations, vowing to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement and promote fossil fuel exploration—a call echoed by his enthusiastic supporters.
While addressing the immigration crisis, Trump revealed emergency measures he intends to implement at the southern border, aiming to expel "millions and millions" of undocumented immigrants and urging refugees to remain in Mexico, ramping up security and strict immigration controls.
Trump’s inauguration has already stirred strong reactions at home and abroad. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz posted on social media, emphasizing the importance of the transatlantic relationship: "The U.S. is our closest ally and good transatlantic relations are always our goal." Amidst these affirmations, protests erupted at the Capital One Arena, where demonstrators interrupted the blessing of athletes calling for Palestinian freedom, underscoring the contentious atmosphere surrounding Trump's presidency.
Global leaders responded to Trump’s return with both anticipation and caution. France's Prime Minister François Bayrou urged Europe to unite against Trump’s political stance, fearing European dominance would wane under his administration. Meanwhile, Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary, exclaimed Trump’s presidency will invigorate right-wing politics across Europe.
The high-profile inauguration was not without political maneuvering. Shortly before leaving office, Joe Biden granted preemptive pardons to several family members, aiming to shield them from potential scrutiny under the new administration. Biden’s last act as president included photos shared of his final day at the White House, wishing America well.
Controversially, Turkey's President Erdoğan and Russia's Vladimir Putin announced their willingness to engage with Trump's administration, hinting at potential shifts in foreign policy dynamics. Trump's earlier promises to share classified documents about historical political assassinations continue to spark public interest.
With his inauguration solidified, Trump mentioned he would sign around one hundred executive orders on his first day, aimed at translating his campaign promises directly to policy. His proclamations have raised questions about executive overreach and polarization within the country.
This inauguration not only marks Trump's return to power but also reflects the deeply entrenched divisions within American society, illustrating the vast spectrum of expectations and apprehensions surrounding his leadership as the nation embarks on yet another chapter of conflict and possibility.