Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, 2025, marking his return to the office with bold promises and immediate executive actions. This inauguration, held indoors at the Capitol Rotunda due to extreme cold, was attended by multiple dignitaries including Vice President JD Vance and former presidents.
Trump’s inaugural speech was filled with ambitious proclamations about restoring American greatness. "The Golden Age of America begins right now... we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer," he declared, vowing to put America first and reclaim its sovereignty. With this speech, he aimed to signal the start of what he described as a thrilling new era of national success.
Upon taking office, Trump signed several executive orders as expected. Executive orders are the fastest legislative tools at the president's disposal, allowing quick policy adjustments without the need for congressional approval. According to the Associated Press, among the actions taken included the rescission of 78 executive actions from his predecessor Joe Biden and the declaration of national emergencies concerning immigration and energy.
One of the major themes articulated during his speech was immigration. Trump stated, “Illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came.” To enforce this, he proceeded to sign multiple orders intending to completely overhaul existing immigration policies, including reinstatement of his previous policies like the “Remain in Mexico” initiative and canceling catch and release protocols. He declared the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, emphasizing his commitment to tackling illegal immigration during his administration.
The president also addressed the economic issues the nation faces, especially inflation. “The inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and... that's why today I will also declare a national energy emergency,” he claimed. Trump’s energy policy shifts included pledges to ramp up domestic energy production and drilling. "We will be drilling, baby, drill," was one of the rallying chants he used to resonate with his supporters who prioritize energy independence.
Before the signing of these executive orders, Trump indicated his intentions to dismantle the framework of regulations and reforms set by the Biden administration. He plans on moving swiftly to undo regulations perceived as hindering economic growth and energy production. These moves are part of his broader aim of solidifying his “America First” policy approach.
Trump's address did not shy away from past controversies. He referenced the political turmoil surrounding his previous presidency, framing it as part of the “radical and corrupt establishment” narrative he often discussed during his campaigns. He referenced the crises of trust within the government and vowed to restore faith among citizens.
Political reactions poured in following Trump’s first day back. Members of the Democratic Party quickly criticized his proposed policies and executive orders, with DNC spokesperson Rosemary Boeglin stating, "Trump’s first day shows where his priorities lie... leaving his supporters out in the cold." The significant international relationships, especially with neighboring countries like Canada, continued to remain at the forefront of discussions.
The atmosphere at the Capitol and the Capital One Arena was electric as supporters celebrated Trump’s return with chants marking his arrival. His family also played prominent roles during the festivities, with notable moments including his youngest son Barron receiving cheers as he entered the arena.
Despite the challenges cited during his speech, including crises from housing to public health, Trump concluded on a hopeful note, stating, "We are going to win like never before." He shared visions of prosperity and security, emphasizing collective ambition as key to American success moving forward.
Looking forward, the executive orders signed during his inauguration may not only revamp governmental functions but could also directly impact the everyday lives of American citizens. Trump's assertion during his speech, and continuous emphasis on delivering results could see significant shifts within national policies, particularly around immigration and economic practices.
Overall, Trump's inauguration reflects not just the beginning of another term, but potentially seismic shifts within U.S. governance aligning with his campaign promises. The coming weeks and months will reveal the tangible effects of his executive actions and the response from both governmental bodies and the citizenry, making this inauguration one of the pivotal moments of American political history.