Donald Trump Sworn In as 47th U.S. President: Highlights from His Inauguration
Donald Trump has returned to the White House, being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. At 78 years old, he becomes the oldest president to take office, and the first in over a century to win a second term after a previous electoral defeat.
In an inauguration held indoors due to freezing weather, President Trump delivered a speech promising a “golden age” for America. Here’s what you need to know:
A New “Golden Age” for America
In his address, Trump declared that “the golden age of America begins right now,” vowing to restore the nation’s prosperity and global respect. He outlined an ambitious agenda touching on immigration, energy, and national identity.
Crackdown on Immigration
Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border. He announced plans to deploy troops to curb illegal immigration and reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait on the Mexican side of the border during processing.
He also pledged to designate drug-trafficking cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and proposed invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to detain and deport foreign nationals involved in criminal activities.
Redefining Gender Policies
The president stated that his administration would recognize only two genders—male and female—reversing previous policies that acknowledged gender diversity. Government diversity programs are set to be reviewed under this new directive.
Energy and Environmental Policies
Trump declared a national energy emergency, signing orders to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement and promote oil and gas development, particularly in Alaska. He aims to boost fossil fuel production and reduce regulations on traditional energy industries.
Nationalistic Proposals
Emphasizing a nationalistic agenda, Trump proposed imposing trade tariffs and hinted at renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. He also mentioned aspirations to “take back” the Panama Canal and announced plans to “plant the Stars and Stripes” on Mars.
Executive Actions and Orders
- Technology and Innovation: Trump’s initial executive orders included revoking policies related to artificial intelligence and electric vehicles implemented by the previous administration.
- Pandemic Response: He signed an order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization, criticizing its handling of global health issues.
- Government Efficiency: A new “Department of Government Efficiency” was established, headed by entrepreneur Elon Musk, aiming to reduce government spending and improve operations.
- Federal Workforce: A freeze on federal hiring was imposed, and government employees were instructed to return to office workplaces, moving away from remote work setups.
- TikTok Ban Delay: An executive order delayed the proposed ban on the social media app TikTok by 75 days to assess the appropriate course of action.
Pardons and Legal Actions
Trump issued pardons for individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021 events at the Capitol. This controversial move sparked discussions about accountability and justice.
Looking Ahead
While tariffs on Canada and Mexico were not immediately implemented, Trump indicated that a 25% duty could be imposed on February 1. His aggressive policy changes mark a significant shift in the U.S. domestic and foreign agenda.
As the nation adjusts to this new administration, the global community watches closely to see the impact of President Trump’s return to power.
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Key takeaways from Trump's swearing-in as 47th U.S. president
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