WASHINGTON — Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, marking a significant moment after navigating through impeachments, criminal charges, and even two assassination attempts. As Republicans gain complete control over Washington, Trump is poised to implement major changes to the nation’s institutions.
Following the inauguration ceremony, Trump is expected to swiftly enact executive orders that are already in place, focusing on expediting deportations, boosting fossil fuel development, and scaling back protections for civil service employees. He has declared that his administration will usher in “a brand new day of American strength and prosperity, dignity and pride.”
Unseasonably cold weather has altered the planned celebrations for the day. Trump’s swearing-in ceremony will take place indoors at the Capitol Rotunda, a first in four decades, while the inaugural parade has been replaced with a gathering at a downtown arena. Supporters who arrived in droves to watch the ceremony from the National Mall will need to adjust their plans for viewing the event.
“God has a plan,” expressed Terry Barber, 46, who traveled non-stop from near Augusta, Georgia, to attend the event. “I’m good with it.”
When Trump takes the oath of office at noon, he will make a historic political comeback. Just four years prior, he was ousted amid the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite denying the election results and inciting his supporters to march on the Capitol, leading to an unprecedented riot, Trump has managed to maintain a strong hold over the Republican Party. He is undeterred by personal legal troubles and remains both a formidable force and a reflection of voter frustrations over issues like inflation and immigration.
Uniquely positioned, Trump will become the first president to serve while having been convicted of a felony related to falsifying business records for hush money payments. This time, he will recommit to “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution from the very location his supporters stormed in January 2021. One of his initial acts in office is anticipated to be the pardon of many individuals involved in that riot.
Having spent eight years since his initial entry into the presidency, Trump now possesses a sharper understanding of federal government operations. He has vowed to act more decisively and swiftly compared to his previous term. Political, business, and technology leaders have begun readjusting their strategies to align with Trump’s agenda, while Democrats find themselves grappling with whether to collaborate with him or stand in opposition.
Trump is adamant about quickly reforming immigration policies, implementing tariffs, and undoing a range of progressive climate and social strategies introduced by Democrats. His “America First” foreign policy remains a topic of concern, particularly in relation to ongoing global conflicts like Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine and the tenuous ceasefire in Gaza amid the protracted Israel-Hamas war.
In preparation for the inauguration, Trump spent the weekend at Blair House, opposite the White House. The day will commence with a prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, followed by a traditional welcoming tea at the executive mansion with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. This ritual stands in stark contrast to Trump’s refusal to acknowledge Biden’s victory or attend his predecessor’s inauguration.
The two presidents, along with their wives, will make their way to the Capitol in a joint motorcade prior to the swearing-in ceremony. The Vice President-elect, JD Vance, will take his oath first, led by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh on a family Bible. Trump will follow, using both a family Bible and one previously utilized by President Abraham Lincoln during his inauguration, with Chief Justice John Roberts administering the oath.
Inaugural festivities began over the weekend, featuring Trump’s arrival in Washington via a government jet and a fireworks display at his golf club in Virginia. On Sunday, he laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery and energized supporters at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington.
The event will also see the attendance of numerous billionaires and tech leaders who have endeavored to gain favor with Trump, notably Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos. Additionally, the head of TikTok, which is flagged as a security risk by the U.S. government, will be present. Trump anticipates lifting the effective ban on TikTok through one of his upcoming executive orders.
During his rally, Trump hinted at a series of immediate executive actions, asserting that by day’s end, he would have signed orders affecting border security and immigration policies, potentially reinstating measures akin to the Title 42 emergency provisions from his previous term.
Further actions regarding the energy sector are also expected, aiming to encourage oil and gas production by dismantling Biden-era regulations. Trump’s agenda includes alterations within the federal workforce as well, targeting the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, along with enforcing employees to return to in-office work and reducing staff numbers.
“Expect shock and awe,” remarked Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, emphasizing the need for the administration to remain focused on its commitments. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana echoed this sentiment, predicting a significant number of executive orders from the new president as Republicans move to dismantle previous legislative measures and advance their own agendas.
