Donald Trump sworn in fo second term

Donald Trump vowed to usher in a “new era of American greatness” shortly after being sworn in as president for the second time, marking an extraordinary political comeback following two assassination attempts, a felony conviction, and an indictment for attempting to overturn his 2020 election loss.

“The golden age of America begins right now,” Trump declared in his inaugural address.

Trump took the oath of office inside the US Capitol, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, with Vice President JD Vance sworn in moments before him.

Incoming White House officials revealed that Trump plans to sign a series of executive actions within hours of taking office, with 10 focused on his top priority: border security and immigration. These include declaring a national emergency at the southern border, deploying armed troops, and reinstating a policy requiring asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while awaiting US court dates. He also aims to end birthright citizenship for children born in the US to parents without legal status, a move some legal experts argue could be unconstitutional.

The inauguration, held indoors due to extreme cold, completed Trump’s remarkable return to power. This political disruptor, who survived two impeachment trials, a felony conviction, and multiple legal and physical threats, now holds the distinction of being the first US president since the 19th century to regain the White House after losing it.

Notably, Biden and outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris attended the ceremony in the Capitol’s Rotunda, joined by former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Hillary Clinton also attended alongside her husband, Bill, while Michelle Obama opted not to appear.

A number of prominent tech executives, including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, were seated prominently on stage alongside Trump’s family and cabinet nominees.

Trump’s administration announced plans to pardon many of the more than 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Trump, who skipped Biden’s inauguration, continues to assert, without evidence, that the 2020 election was rigged.

The president will also reinstate the federal death penalty, suspended under Biden, and require official US documents, such as passports, to reflect individuals’ gender as assigned at birth. Additionally, Trump will sign an order eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the federal government—a move set to take place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

On the trade front, Trump will not immediately impose new tariffs but has instructed federal agencies to evaluate trade relationships with Canada, China, and Mexico. This unexpected development spurred a drop in the US dollar and a surge in global stock markets, even as US financial markets remain closed for the holiday.

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Meanwhile, Trump continues to expand his business ventures, recently launching a “meme coin” cryptocurrency over the weekend, raising billions in market value but sparking ethical and regulatory concerns.