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WASHINGTON — On Monday, Donald Trump took the oath of office in a crowded Capitol Rotunda, highlighting the stark contrast between the current political environment and that of eight years ago. Back then, as Trump delivered his rain-soaked inaugural address emphasizing “American carnage,” many congressional Republicans were quietly preparing to challenge the more extreme aspects of his policies and investigate his past.
Now, however, almost all Republican lawmakers are standing firmly behind the president. At the ceremony, world leaders and corporate executives, who had previously approached Trump with caution, were present, braving the bitter cold to display their support, though the events were later moved indoors.
The scene in Washington also differs significantly from just four years ago, when preparations for Democrat Joe Biden’s inauguration were marred by an insurrection led by Trump supporters merely two weeks prior. These rioters violently stormed the Capitol, causing chaos as they sought to disrupt the certification of Biden’s victory, tearing apart scaffolding to use as projectiles against law enforcement.
During that upheaval, the Rotunda was overflowing with rioters who breached the main doors, swinging from statues and clashing with police. Trump did not attend Biden’s ceremony, with many in the Republican party believing his political career had ended. Yet, he made a powerful return, rejuvenating Washington along with himself.
Senator Kevin Cramer from North Dakota remarked on the notable shift in party dynamics, noting the rise of a new populist Republican Party and increased enthusiasm compared to Trump’s first inauguration. This second swearing-in was also unique for being conducted indoors, a decision made due to biting cold and windy conditions, rendering the extensive outdoor platform unused and empty.
Biden’s inauguration in 2020, too, was an unusual affair, taking place under pandemic restrictions that limited crowd sizes. Guests were spaced out, which created an intimate, albeit strange atmosphere. Cramer, who attended, recalled how it felt different due to the lack of attendees: “I remember the big teleprompter, the giant screen TV that Joe Biden was reading off of, and just how few people that were out there listening to it,” he stated.
Reflecting on Trump’s return, Cramer acknowledged the ongoing possibility that Trump could reclaim the Capitol. Similarly, South Dakota’s Senator Mike Rounds noted that while Trump was an enigma back in 2017, Republicans in Washington have since learned to navigate his style. “They know he’s going to make statements and that he’s going to test the waters,” Rounds said, highlighting that Trump ultimately seeks guidance before making final decisions.
Despite the overwhelming backing from party members, Trump’s next presidential term is not without challenges. He faces a slim majority in the House and a divergence of opinions within the party regarding major initiatives like tax cuts, border security, immigrant policy, and energy production. An early challenge emerged in December when Congress dismissed Trump’s attempt to attach a debt ceiling increase to end-of-year spending bills.
In his final moments as president, Biden issued a range of preemptive pardons, including those for members and staff involved in the January 6th committee, as well as police officers who testified about the attack on the Capitol. For Democrats, the current political climate carries significant weight.
New Jersey Congressman Andy Kim expressed concerns regarding the deep-rooted divisiveness in the nation, emphasizing that the issue goes beyond individuals in the Oval Office, be it Trump or Biden. He has been contemplating legislation that might appeal to both sides of the aisle, aiming to bridge divisions through investments in civic education or national service initiatives as the country approaches its quarter-millennial anniversary.
Senator Angus King, an independent from Maine, observed a shift in Trump’s Cabinet appointees, noting that many seem to be selected for their loyalty rather than their qualifications, contrasting sharply with the well-respected figures chosen eight years prior. He recalled a striking moment from Trump’s first inauguration when the former president described a grim state of America, painting a picture
