Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States at noon on January 20, 2025, marking a historic comeback after four tumultuous years of political, legal, and personal challenges. The inauguration was held indoors in the Capitol Rotunda due to frigid weather and symbolized Trump’s dramatic return to power, setting the stage for an aggressive first day in office.
Trump’s reelection followed a contentious campaign that saw him overcome two impeachments, multiple criminal indictments, and even assassination attempts. Addressing his supporters, Trump declared, “We won, we won, but now the work begins.” His inaugural speech centered on a promise to reverse what he termed the “betrayal” of his predecessor’s policies and to restore America’s sovereignty and global standing.
Executive Orders Take Center Stage
Trump wasted no time asserting his agenda. Immediately after taking office, he signed a series of executive orders with a theatrical blend of campaign rally energy and executive authority. Key actions included:
- Pardoning approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, fulfilling a campaign promise to release his supporters.
- Rescinding the U.S. commitment to the Paris climate agreement.
- Freezing new regulations and withdrawing Biden-era directives on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Establishing a task force to streamline the federal government.
He also announced plans to reclassify drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and to implement tariffs aimed at reducing imports and strengthening American manufacturing.
The Ceremony and Its Guests
Chief Justice John Roberts administered Trump’s oath of office using both the Lincoln Bible and a family Bible. Justice Brett Kavanaugh swore in Vice President J.D. Vance earlier. The event was attended by an eclectic mix of billionaires and political allies, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, underscoring the convergence of wealth and political power in Trump’s second term.
Notably, Trump shared a rare moment of civility with outgoing President Joe Biden, who welcomed him at the White House for a brief reception. The two then rode together to the Capitol for the ceremony, a stark contrast to the acrimony of 2021 when Trump skipped Biden’s inauguration.
Global Reactions to Trump’s Return
Trump’s reelection has elicited mixed reactions worldwide. Leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed optimism for renewed cooperation, while others, such as Mexican officials, voiced concern over Trump’s hardline trade and immigration policies.
In Europe, Trump’s return has sparked both fear and hope, with German media highlighting the stark divide in global perceptions. Many Europeans are wary of his leadership, while others see his second term as a chance for reform.
A New Era for the Trump Administration
Trump’s inauguration marks the beginning of what he calls the “complete restoration of America.” With promises to reduce inflation, address global challenges, and reclaim U.S. sovereignty, Trump’s second term is poised to challenge the status quo both domestically and internationally.
