WASHINGTON — Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, embarking on a new term amid various challenges that included past impeachment trials, legal battles, and even violence against him. He assumed office once again as Republicans reclaim their authority in Washington, seeking to implement their vision for the country’s future.
The swearing-in ceremony was held indoors due to frigid temperatures, commencing at noon ET. Prior to the ceremony, Trump attended a church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
In significant early actions, Trump has overturned a 2021 directive from the Education Department that expanded protections under Title IX to include gender identity and sexual orientation. Although the instruction had been further solidified under the prior administration, challenges from Republican-led states led to its nullification. This reinstatement does not alter the current operations of educational institutions but sets the stage for future policies under Trump’s leadership.
Alongside this, Trump annulled a COVID-19-related executive order that mandated federal guidance for schools reopening during the health crisis, as well as a requirement to assess the pandemic’s varied effects on students of color and those with disabilities.
In a separate development, Trump did not formally change the name of the Gulf of Mexico but noted that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has started referring to it as the “Gulf of America,” coinciding with an emergency declaration due to severe winter weather in the region.
Furthermore, Trump has taken steps to freeze a recent executive order from the Biden administration that aimed to remove Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Biden had made this move to facilitate the release of political prisoners on the island, a development that has now stalled under Trump’s directives.
Additionally, Trump’s commands include freezing many of Biden’s last-minute regulatory actions and blocking new federal regulations until his administration can evaluate them. This regulatory pause mirrors similar actions he executed at the beginning of his previous presidency in 2017.
As he settled back into the White House, Trump quickly signed an order mandating that federal employees return to in-person work five days a week, a decision echoing his desire to end remote working practices that became prevalent during the pandemic. He emphasized potential consequences for noncompliance.
On inauguration day, Trump also placed a hiring freeze on federal positions, a move that parallels his tenure’s initial focus on downsizing government. Exceptions were made for national security and public safety roles. This shift marks a notable transition from the preceding administration’s efforts to expand the federal workforce.
Some key actions Trump undertook include halting a total of 78 Biden-era executive decisions, implementing regulatory freezes, reestablishing in-person work requirements, and directing various departments to address the escalating cost of living crisis.
In a striking political statement, Trump declared intentions to pardon individuals involved in the January 6 incident, referring to them as “hostages,” while making this announcement alongside families affected by a recent hostage crisis involving Hamas militants in Israel.
The inaugural parade showcased families of Israeli hostages and students from institutions linked to both Trump and newly-elected officials. There were remembrances for those lost during attempts on Trump’s life and support from various ranks in law enforcement.
Following these events, Trump made a prominent entrance to the inaugural festivities, engaging with supporters personally. These interactions marked a stark contrast to the heightened security measures observed at previous Republican gatherings.
The event was infused with expressions of civic engagement, with messages from leaders such as the Mexican president wishing Trump success in uniting their nations, symbolizing international interest in the new administration.
Meanwhile, divisive reactions to the inauguration were palpable in media commentary, with historians and commentators noting Trump’s first address displayed a pronounced partisan edge.
In the spirit of tradition, Trump performed ceremonial military reviews, welcomed newly appointed heads of various energy agencies, and witnessed political leaders and constituents come together, albeit under stark ideological divides.
As the day unfolded, actions were taken to address pressing immigration reforms, planning an end to the CBP One app that facilitated entry for many migrants. Trump spoke passionately about his immigration agenda, which aims to halt illegal trafficking and control the southern border more effectively.
Amid all this, significant events in Washington highlighted America’s political rift, as protests erupted near the U.S. embassy in Mexico City against Trump’s proposed immigration policies.
Trump’s inaugural day combined tradition with his brand of politicized messaging, punctuated by his pursuit of ambitious space and environmental initiatives promising to reassign U.S. commitments globally.
Throughout the ceremonies, Trump sought to resonate with both supporters and critics, framing his term as a fresh start aimed at achieving long-aspired goals for the nation.
