By : Lloyd Mahachi
Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, marking a remarkable comeback after overcoming four criminal indictments and two assassination attempts. Trump took the oath of office at an intimate inauguration ceremony inside the Rotunda of the Capitol, the same building his supporters stormed four years ago.
The ceremony was moved indoors due to below-freezing temperatures in Washington. Trump, 78, raised his right hand and took the oath using a Bible his mother gave him in 1955, stacked on a second Bible used by President Abraham Lincoln for his 1861 swearing-in.
JD Vance was sworn in as vice president before Trump. The new president replaces Joe Biden in the nation’s highest office. Trump’s inauguration was attended by his family, Cabinet nominees, and billionaire executives, including Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk.
In his second inaugural address, Trump declared, “The golden age of America begins right now.” He promised that the country will flourish, be respected worldwide, and not be taken advantage of during his administration. Trump’s return to power marks a significant change across the federal government, with plans to enact sweeping changes after winning every battleground state and the popular vote.
Trump’s first term was tumultuous, with two impeachments and acquittals by the Senate. His second term is expected to be even more aggressive, with plans to root out the “deep state” from the federal government, begin mass deportations of immigrants, and undo Biden’s policies on climate, energy, and other areas.
Trump has promised to take over 100 executive actions during his first days in office, focusing on sealing the U.S.-Mexico border and levying new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. His administration is expected to showcase a more populist GOP, turning away from free markets and international alliances.
Lawmakers are on edge about a potential trade war, while U.S. and world leaders watch closely to see how Trump handles the war in Ukraine and the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Trump’s inauguration ceremony was attended by thousands of supporters, who packed Capitol One Arena to watch the event on a jumbotron.
Biden and former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton attended the inauguration, along with Supreme Court justices, senators, and other lawmakers. First lady Melania Trump and Vance’s wife, Usha Vance, watched as their husbands were sworn into office.
Trump’s inauguration marks a significant moment in U.S. history, with the new president promising to bring about a “golden age” of American prosperity and respect. However, his administration’s plans and policies have raised concerns among lawmakers and world leaders, who will be watching closely to see how Trump’s second term unfolds.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
