WASHINGTON — Donald Trump, who has faced impeachments, multiple criminal indictments, and assassination attempts, arrived at the U.S. Capitol on Monday to take the oath of office as the 47th president of the United States. His return to the presidency comes as Republicans seize unified control of the federal government, setting the stage for a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, Trump is set to act decisively with a series of executive orders already drafted. These orders aim to tighten regulations on border security, boost fossil fuel production, and abolish diversity and inclusion initiatives within federal agencies.
Trump’s inaugural speech is poised to announce the dawn of what he terms a “thrilling new era of national success,” indicating his plans for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation. The executive orders will kick off what he describes as “the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense.”
Unseasonably cold weather has altered the traditional celebrations of the day; Trump’s swearing-in was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda, a change not seen in 40 years. Additionally, his inaugural parade has been replaced with an indoor event at a downtown arena. Many supporters who gathered at the National Mall to witness the ceremony from the West Front are now left to seek alternative viewing spots.
Joe Morse, a resident of New Jersey, shared his thoughts on the need for change. “The country was going in the wrong direction in so many ways, economically, geopolitically, and in many social issues,” he remarked after waiting overnight with his sons to secure seats for the livestream event.
Earlier in the day, Trump attended a prayer service with his incoming Cabinet members at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Following this, he and his spouse, Melania, met outgoing President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for a customary reception at the White House, marking a stark contrast to the previous transition when Trump had declined to recognize Biden’s victory.
“Welcome home,” Biden greeted Trump upon his arrival. The two, who have been publicly critical of each other for years, shared a limousine ride to the Capitol before the inauguration.
When Trump officially takes office, he will become the first president in U.S. history to have been convicted of a felony—related to falsifying business records associated with hush money. He has promised to “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution from the very place that witnessed a tumultuous breach by his supporters on January 6, 2021. Trump has suggested that among his initial actions will be pardons for several individuals involved in that day’s events.
After entering the White House eight years ago as a political newcomer, Trump now has a deeper understanding of federal operations and aims to implement his vision rapidly. He intends to make immediate changes by tightening immigration policies, imposing tariffs on imports, and reversing various initiatives set forth by the previous Democratic administration.
Trump has also signaled intentions for retribution against political adversaries, underlining personal loyalty as a crucial factor in appointing officials within his administration.
In a preemptive move, Biden announced pardons for public officials who have been targets of Trump’s criticisms, effectively protecting them from potential prosecution. He reasoned that “these are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing.”
With his agenda defined, Trump aims to act faster than during his first term as political, business, and tech leaders adjust to align with his administration. Once united in opposition, Democrats now find themselves split over whether to cooperate or confront Trump’s agenda. Meanwhile, powerful business leaders are eager to engage with Trump, recognizing his considerable influence over government policy.
As opinions surrounding American foreign alliances remain mixed, Trump’s “America First” approach is under scrutiny, especially with ongoing geopolitical tensions, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the fragile ceasefire in Gaza following prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas.
On Inauguration Day, Vice President-elect JD Vance will take his oath first, followed by Trump, who will use both a family Bible and the one that belonged to Abraham Lincoln during his swearing-in ceremony. A notable guest list includes billionaires and prominent tech figures, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, who have contributed generously to Trump’s inaugural activities.
Trump has indicated plans to revoke a prior ban on TikTok through an executive order among many he is anticipated to introduce as he emphasizes rapid governmental action. He aims to reenact his 2020 strategies addressing immigration, once again declaring a national emergency to limit refugees and potentially deploying military resources at the border. Additional moves may include moves deemed constitutionally dubious, such as attempting to rescind birthright citizenship for those born in the U.S.
Furthermore, one of Trump’s executive orders will target the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the federal workforce. This measure, which has been criticized by conservatives as unconstitutional, will instruct federal agencies to collaborate with the White House to identify and dismantle such programs.
Other forthcoming directives include allowances for increased oil and gas drilling while rolling back Biden-era energy policies and revoking recent actions related to artificial intelligence. Trump also aims to change work conditions within federal agencies, mandating a return to in-office work while exploring reductions in workforce size.
With the Republican Party controlling both chambers of Congress, there are expectations of collaborative efforts to push through legislation aimed at dismantling Biden’s initiatives while instituting their own policy priorities moving forward.
