The presidential inauguration often symbolizes the traditions that unify the American public, yet the extensive media coverage surrounding the event on Monday highlighted various fractures within society. This inauguration took place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with a focus on President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, which was largely held indoors in Washington due to icy conditions.
In many ways, this ceremony marked a return to norms following Trump’s absence during Joe Biden’s inauguration four years earlier. NBC News’ Kristen Welker noted that this event showcased images of bipartisanship that many Americans crave, despite underlying tensions. However, historian Jon Meacham pointedly remarked on the overt partisanship of Trump’s speech, declaring it “the most partisan inaugural” he could recall. Meacham expressed concern over religious figures taking sides in their invocations, stating, “When religion is used to divide and exalt one side over the other, we need to be cautious.”
On CNN, conservative commentator Scott Jennings lauded Trump’s address, describing it as “remarkable” for its directness, claiming Trump confronted “the gangsters to their faces,” referencing Biden and his allies. CBS’ Norah O’Donnell remarked on the atypical fervor of the audience, highlighting Trump’s declarations about America’s weakened state, especially noting that former presidents remained seated during the address.
As the day progressed, evident divisions further surfaced. Trump’s address to supporters in Emancipation Hall garnered wide coverage across major networks, including CNN and Fox News, although left-leaning MSNBC opted to broadcast Biden’s speech simultaneously, thereby muting Trump’s voice on a split screen. Afterward, CNN’s Jake Tapper identified several inaccuracies in Trump’s remarks, bringing in a fact-checker, a nod to the contentious media relationship established during Trump’s previous term.
The divergent narrative approaches among news outlets became stark after the inaugural address, with some declaring Trump’s speech a “crazy” rant, while others focused on the claims of non-participating former presidents. Two high-profile tech billionaires, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, were present at the event, alongside fellow industry leaders like Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, and Sundar Pichai. ABC News’ David Muir referred to them as representing “the new world order of American politics,” a sentiment likely favorably received by Musk.
Musk enthusiastically commented at an inaugural event, stating, “This is what victory feels like,” emphasizing the significance of the occasion as pivotal for humanity’s future. The day also saw Fox News Channel observing its renewed prominence; its broadcast included host Laura Ingraham mingling with guests and snapshots of former Fox personnel.
Fox’s Martha MacCallum remarked on the auspicious mood in Washington, attributing it not only to favorable weather but also to Trump’s vision of entering a prosperous era. Larry Kudlow described this moment as a “changing of the guard,” while Brit Hume highlighted the ambitious nature of Trump’s promises. Over on conservative network Newsmax, Chuck Holton noted the absence of protestors from Trump’s previous inauguration, attributing it partially to the frigid temperatures.
Mainstream media chronicled Trump’s narrative of rescuing a troubled nation, as reflected in headlines like “Trump Says He’ll End U.S. ‘Decline’,” which underscored his commitment to reversing policies he deemed detrimental. News websites and other networks maintained active coverage of the executive orders Trump signed on his first day back in office, showcasing a swift initiation of his administration’s agenda.
In conclusion, the notable discrepancies in portrayal among different media outlets illustrated the tangible partisan divides that characterized Trump’s return to power, revealing a fractured American landscape during a ceremony often meant to celebrate unity.