Donald Trump was sworn in Monday as the 47th president of the United States, marking an extraordinary political resurgence. Promising a “revolution of common sense,” Trump takes office with a unified Republican government and a vow to “completely and totally reverse” the policies of his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Trump’s inauguration follows an improbable journey back to power after facing two impeachments, criminal indictments, and even surviving two assassination attempts. His administration is poised to act immediately, with executive orders prepared to clamp down on immigration, increase fossil fuel production, and eliminate federal diversity and inclusion initiatives.
In his inaugural address, Trump declared that the country faces a “crisis of trust” and vowed to restore America’s sovereignty, safety, and justice. “Our sovereignty will be reclaimed. Our safety will be restored. The scales of justice will be rebalanced,” he said, framing his administration as one committed to reversing what he called “a horrible betrayal.”
A Ceremony Amidst Unconventional Circumstances
Frigid weather forced the swearing-in ceremony indoors to the Capitol Rotunda for the first time in 40 years. In place of the traditional parade, a celebratory event was held at a downtown arena, leaving throngs of supporters in search of alternative venues to witness the historic occasion.
Vice President J.D. Vance took the oath first, administered by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh using a family Bible passed down through generations. Moments later, Trump was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts, using both a family Bible and Abraham Lincoln’s historic inaugural Bible.
A cadre of billionaires and tech titans, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, attended the ceremony. Musk, the world’s richest man, is reportedly leading efforts to slash federal spending and reduce government staffing under the new administration.
From Hostility to Civility
Earlier in the day, Trump and his wife, Melania, were greeted at the White House by outgoing President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for the customary tea reception. In a departure from the tension of four years ago, Biden personally welcomed Trump, even sharing a ride to the Capitol.
This moment of civility contrasts sharply with Trump’s controversial exit in 2021, when he refused to acknowledge Biden’s election victory or attend the inauguration.
An Unparalleled Comeback
Trump’s return to the White House caps an unprecedented comeback in U.S. history. After losing re-election during the economic and social turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump faced legal battles and continued to assert his 2020 defeat was fraudulent. His refusal to concede culminated in the January 6 Capitol riot, a violent interruption of Congress’s certification of the election results.
Despite these challenges, Trump maintained his influence over the Republican Party, channeling voter discontent with inflation, immigration, and other issues into a powerful second bid for the presidency.
Executive Actions and Policy Priorities
Within hours of taking office, Trump is set to sign executive orders reinstating a national emergency at the southern border, limiting refugee admissions, and deploying military resources for border security. He also plans to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies, calling them unconstitutional.
Other executive orders will focus on expanding oil and gas drilling, rolling back Biden-era energy policies, and ending federal climate initiatives. Trump has also promised to repeal automatic birthright citizenship and pardon participants in the January 6 Capitol riot, calling it a necessary step toward “fair and equal justice.”
Global Implications and Domestic Divisions
Trump’s “America First” foreign policy remains a point of contention. Allies and adversaries alike are watching closely as the new administration begins its tenure amidst ongoing international crises, including the war in Ukraine and a fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
At home, Democrats face a strategic dilemma—whether to resist Trump’s agenda or seek compromises in a Republican-controlled government. Meanwhile, business leaders and tech executives, wary of Trump’s unpredictability, are recalibrating their approaches to align with the administration’s agenda.
A New Era in Washington
Trump’s inauguration heralds a significant shift in U.S. politics. With sweeping policy changes on immigration, energy, and social programs already in motion, the coming months will reveal how the administration’s bold plans reshape the nation.
For Trump, the return to power represents not just a personal triumph, but the start of what he calls “the complete restoration of America.”