Trump’s Historic Return to the White House
Donald Trump made history again, stepping into the role of the 47th President of the United States. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath as Trump became the second president to serve non-consecutive terms. Among the crowd were former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, as well as tech giants like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.
Vice President JD Vance took his oath, administered by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, with his family Bible in hand. Due to frigid temperatures, the festivities were moved indoors, with the ceremonial outdoor parade swapped for an event at Capital One Arena.
Trump and Biden shared tea and coffee at the White House pre-swearing-in, and even rode together to the Capitol – a stark contrast to Trump’s absence at Biden’s inauguration. In his final moments as president, Biden issued preemptive pardons to family members, stirring up headlines.
The inauguration featured performances by:
- Carrie Underwood singing “America the Beautiful”
- Christopher Macchio’s rendition of the national anthem
Trump’s Inaugural Address: A Vision for America’s Future
In his inaugural address, President Trump emphasized a “revolution of common sense” and promised to end what he described as America’s decline. His supporters cheered as he outlined his vision for the country’s future.
Trump touched on pressing national concerns like energy and immigration policies, signaling:
- A return to offshore drilling
- A firm stance on curbing illegal immigration
He also acknowledged Martin Luther King Jr. Day, pledging to work toward making King’s dream a reality.
"From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world,"
The speech left the audience with a sense of anticipation for the changes to come. Whether you’re rooting for him or not, it’s clear that Trump’s presidency will be anything but dull.
First Actions: Setting the Tone for Trump’s Second Term
President Trump wasted no time in issuing executive orders, starting with:
- Shutting down the CBP One app, signaling a shift towards stricter border control
- Greenlighting initiatives to bolster the fossil fuel sector
- Targeting federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs
Trump swiftly made Cabinet-level nominations and appointments, ensuring his choices reflected alignment with his vision.
In a symbolic gesture, flags previously at half-staff for President Carter’s passing were returned to full-mast. Trump also declared a renewed focus on a Mars mission, showcasing his ambition to expand America’s frontiers.
With each signature, Trump set the tone for an administration eager to break from the past. What will unfold next? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – the world is watching.
- CBS News. Trump’s return to office greeted with optimism, high expectations — CBS News poll. January 20, 2025.
- FOX 5 NY. President Trump delivers inaugural address: Full speech. January 20, 2025.
- Associated Press. Donald Trump sworn in as 47th president, promising ‘revolution of common sense’. January 20, 2025.