Donald Trump 47 President Decline Is Over
WASHINGTON – On Monday, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, marking his extraordinary return to the White House. Despite facing multiple criminal charges and two assassination attempts, Trump defied the odds and pulled off one of the most remarkable political comebacks in U.S. history.
Trump took the oath of office shortly after noon ET in a ceremony held inside the Capitol rotunda. This was the same location that four years ago saw a violent mob of his supporters try to halt the certification of Trump’s loss in the 2020 election. The ceremony was moved indoors due to dangerously cold temperatures in Washington, where it was below freezing that day.
At 78 years old, Trump raised his right hand and recited the oath, using a Bible his mother had given him in 1955. The Bible was placed on top of President Abraham Lincoln’s Bible, which had been used during his 1861 swearing-in. JD Vance, Trump’s vice president, was sworn in just before him.
In his inaugural speech, Trump declared, “The golden age of America begins right now.” He went on to promise that from this day forward, the country would “flourish and be respected again all over the world.” He also made it clear that under his leadership, the United States would become the “envy of every nation,” vowing that the days of America being taken advantage of were over.
Trump was met with enthusiastic applause as he made his way to the Capitol, with supporters chanting “USA! USA! USA!” He quickly took aim at the government he was inheriting, calling it “radical and corrupt.” Trump painted a bleak picture of the nation, citing rising crime rates and an “invasion” of illegal immigrants. He accused the Biden administration of failing to manage even the most basic issues, blaming his predecessor for providing protection to dangerous criminals who entered the country illegally.
“From this moment on, America’s decline is over,” Trump proclaimed. He said that he had a mandate to undo what he described as the “horrible betrayal” by the Biden administration and set a new course for the country.
A Historic Return to Power
Trump’s return to office was historic in more ways than one. Not only did he reclaim the presidency after losing the 2020 election, but he also became the first president in U.S. history to return to the White House after being impeached twice. At 78, Trump also became the oldest person ever to be sworn in as president on Inauguration Day.
In the audience at the Capitol rotunda were political heavyweights, including former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Trump’s family members, Cabinet nominees, and business leaders like Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and tech mogul Elon Musk were also present. Opera singer Christopher Macchio performed “Oh, America” before Trump’s speech, and country music star Carrie Underwood sang “America the Beautiful” afterward.
Trump’s victory in this election was not just a personal comeback but also a victory for his populist agenda, which gained support from a broad coalition of voters, including working-class Americans, Hispanic, Black, and younger voters. His campaign promises to address high consumer prices, remove what he calls the “deep state” from the federal government, and reverse Biden-era policies were key factors in his success.
Promises of Immediate Change
On his first day in office, Trump wasted no time outlining bold plans for sweeping changes. He promised to sign over 100 executive orders, many of which would focus on sealing the U.S.-Mexico border and imposing new tariffs on trading partners like Mexico, Canada, and China. His focus on immigration and border security would include declaring a national emergency at the southern border and ramping up deportations of undocumented immigrants.
Trump also promised to push his “drill, baby, drill” energy agenda, aiming to increase oil production and reduce reliance on foreign oil. He made it clear that one of his top priorities would be to recognize only two genders—male and female—in all federal policies. He also vowed to designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, using the full power of law enforcement to combat gang violence and criminal networks.
“The restoration of America begins today,” Trump said, adding that this would be a “revolution of common sense.” He also noted that his administration would take a more aggressive stance toward foreign relations. Trump vowed to take back the Panama Canal, which he claimed had been “foolishly given” to Panama by President Jimmy Carter. He also said that his administration would lead a new era of space exploration, aiming to send American astronauts to Mars and plant the Stars and Stripes on the Red Planet.
A Populist Agenda
Trump’s second term is expected to usher in an even more populist Republican Party. His focus on economic protectionism, including tariffs on China and renegotiated trade agreements, is expected to continue, along with his “America First” approach to international relations. This populist shift was a key theme during his first term, and it seems poised to define his second term as well.
The second Trump administration will also likely lean further into nationalist policies. Trump has made it clear that he sees the future of America as independent and strong, both domestically and on the world stage. He promised that the U.S. would no longer be beholden to foreign nations or global organizations. Instead, America would focus on securing its own future and interests.
“We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars,” Trump declared in his speech, outlining his vision for American space exploration. “We will launch American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars.” He framed this as part of America’s broader mission to regain its standing as a global leader in every area.
Trump’s Legal Challenges and Reflections
Despite his political victory, Trump’s return to office is still shadowed by legal issues. He was convicted in New York over hush money payments related to an affair, and he faces charges from the Justice Department over his involvement in the January 6th Capitol attack, as well as for possessing classified documents after leaving office. The Georgia case, concerning attempts to overturn the 2020 election, is still active.
In his speech, Trump referenced these ongoing legal battles, pledging that “never again will the immense power of the state be weaponized to persecute political opponents.” He framed these challenges as part of the larger battle against what he calls a corrupt political establishment that is working against him and his supporters.
“I know something about that,” Trump added, hinting at the personal toll these investigations had taken on him. His remarks about retribution were seen by some as a signal that his second term could be marked by an aggressive response to those who have investigated or opposed him.
Looking Forward: A Populist and Disruptive Presidency
Trump’s second inauguration marks the beginning of a new chapter in U.S. politics. He enters office with a strong mandate, a loyal following, and a clear vision for reshaping the country. His Cabinet picks have been largely seen as loyal to him and his “Make America Great Again” agenda, suggesting that Trump will have fewer internal obstacles than during his first term.
This loyalty, however, is not without its risks. Democrats, in particular, have raised concerns about whether Trump’s administration will focus on punishing his political enemies rather than working for the good of the American people. These fears were underscored by Biden’s preemptive pardons for individuals associated with the investigation into Trump’s actions, including Dr. Anthony Fauci and former Representative Liz Cheney.
Despite these concerns, Trump remains resolute in his belief that he is the man to restore America to greatness. “If we work together, there is nothing we cannot do and no dream we cannot achieve,” he told the nation. He concluded his speech by making one last pledge: “America will be respected again and admired again.”
Trump’s message was clear: his return to office marks the beginning of a new era, one where America will reclaim its sovereignty, power, and position in the world. “We will not be conquered, we will not be intimidated, we will not be broken,” Trump said. “We are Americans, and from this day forward, the United States of America will be a free, sovereign, and independent nation.”
