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On Monday, Donald Trump will take the oath of office once again as the 47th president of the United States. His inauguration comes after he triumphed over numerous challenges, including impeachment trials, criminal charges, and threats against his life. As Trump steps back into power, Republicans are expressing unity in their control over Washington with aspirations to transform various national institutions.
The inaugural ceremony is set to commence at noon ET, though due to particularly chilly weather, it has been relocated indoors. Before the formalities, President-elect Trump will attend a church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
In the lead-up to the ceremony, a group known as the Proud Boys was spotted marching through Washington, brandishing pro-Trump banners and protesting against anti-fascist groups. This extremist organization had previously gained notoriety for its confrontations with leftist groups, particularly after Trump urged them to “stand back and stand by” during a debate with Joe Biden in 2020. Many of the group’s leaders were convicted for their roles in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, leaving uncertainty regarding potential pardons that Trump previously suggested.
Vice President-elect JD Vance took the stage to a standing ovation upon entering the Capitol Rotunda, where Trump is expected to make significant changes soon after assuming office. Transition team spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt announced that Trump’s initial executive orders will include renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and returning Alaska’s Mount Denali to its previous title, Mount McKinley. Trump expressed a fondness for the new name, considering it elegant and fitting for the body of water that borders multiple southeastern states.
The ceremony has seen a roster of former presidents and their spouses, accommodating Obama, Bush, and Clinton among others. However, Michelle Obama notably chose not to attend, similar to her absence at a recent funeral for former President Jimmy Carter. Meanwhile, Mike Pence was present, but his wife opted out after previously ignoring Melania Trump during the Carter memorial.
As guests took their seats, corporate leaders from major tech firms were notably positioned in better locations than members of Trump’s Cabinet. Notables like Elon Musk, Amazon head Jeff Bezos, and Google’s Sundar Pichai attended, reflecting Trump’s emphasis on relations with business magnates. The arrangement underscored the significant role these powerful figures play in the political landscape.
Meanwhile, in light of the cold weather, attendance has been reduced with the event moving indoors. All nine Supreme Court justices were also present, marking the significance of the occasion. International leaders such as Argentine President Javier Milei and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni made their presence felt as Trump extends an invitation to foreign officials, breaking with traditional inauguration protocols.
Signs of division surfaced during the festivities, as boos erupted for both Clintons and Pence from certain attendees, contrasting with cheers for Trump’s entrance with Biden. Tensions remained palpable as the event approached, reflecting the divided sentiments within American politics.
As the ceremony draws near, Trump’s campaign team promotes the message of “Promises Made, Promises Kept,” outlining the impending legislative actions he plans to initiate, which include drilling for oil and addressing border security. Senate and House leaders expressed various degrees of optimism and apprehension ahead of Trump’s expected blitz of executive orders.
In a notable moment of unity, both Biden and Trump shared a limo ride to the inauguration, putting aside their past hostilities to adhere to the tradition of a peaceful transfer of power. This moment exemplified a formal yet strained acknowledgment of the political landscape, shared between rivals.
As they departed from the White House, Jill Biden and Melania Trump, along with Harris and Vance, left for the Capitol. Flags at the Capitol were raised back to full height, signifying a celebratory atmosphere while still commemorating the late Carter.
In the visitor center, a crowd full of celebrities and business figures gathered to partake in the inaugural celebrations. Attendants included popular names from sports and social media, highlighting the intersection of politics and popular culture that accompanies such events.
As the unfolding events signify Trump’s resurrection in the political arena, anticipation grows regarding his agenda and its reception across the political divide. The day’s ceremonies began with musical preludes, setting a backdrop for Trump’s focus on energy policies and inflation as he prepares to implement his plans.
In the early dawn hours, many at the U.S.-Mexico border expressed anxiety about the future as they awaited appointments, speculating on changes to immigration protocols under Trump’s administration, which may affect their chances of asylum.
As the inauguration unfolds, Trump’s requests to redefine gender recognition and overhaul immigration policies are poised to shape his administration’s trajectory. This administration follows Biden’s notable pardons, including those granted to public figures from his previous term, signaling ongoing tensions in American politics.
With a flurry of expectations surrounding his new term, Trump’s return to the White House represents a remarkable chapter in a politically charged era, characterized by dramatic shifts in policy and public sentiment as the nation watches closely.
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