Return of President Trump
On January 20, 2025, Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking the start of his second, non-consecutive term. The inauguration ceremony took place within the U.S. Capitol rotunda, a contingency necessitated by inclement weather. The event, though scaled down compared to his first inauguration, was attended by political dignitaries and several notable figures from the tech industry, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg.
In his inaugural address, President Trump promised a "golden age of America," underscoring his vision of a nation reinvigorated by patriotism, economic growth, and global prominence. He emphasised his administration's key priorities: strengthening border security, curbing inflation through energy reforms, revitalising American manufacturing, and protecting free speech by addressing government interference. His speech also touched on more controversial goals, such as a commitment to recognising only two genders—male and female—and an ambitious declaration to send an American flag to Mars.
Trump wasted no time translating his rhetoric into action. Within hours of taking the oath of office, he signed a flurry of executive orders designed to deliver immediate policy changes. One of his first actions was to direct the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, citing economic burdens and a commitment to "energy independence." Similarly, he announced a withdrawal from the World Health Organization, reviving his previous criticism of its handling of global health crises.
Immigration policies were once again at the forefront of Trump’s agenda. Declaring a national emergency at the southern border, he authorised the deployment of U.S. troops and revoked protections that had limited enforcement actions in so-called "sensitive locations" such as schools and churches. He also unveiled plans to challenge birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, a proposal that immediately drew criticism and legal challenges.
In a move that reignited debates about January 6, Trump issued pardons for 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the Capitol riot. The sweeping nature of the pardons has already drawn sharp criticism from political opponents, who accuse the President of undermining justice and emboldening extremism.
Another significant executive order targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies. Trump mandated the dismantling of such initiatives, placing DEI staff on leave and signalling a broader cultural shift within the federal government. Concurrently, he issued a directive requiring all federal employees to return to in-person work, ending remote arrangements that had been in place since the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the most headline-grabbing moments of Trump’s first days came with the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. The initiative, aimed at streamlining federal operations and reducing government spending, is to be led by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. Trump’s selection of Musk underscores his focus on integrating private-sector innovation into public administration. Musk, known for his outspoken views and ambitious projects, is expected to play a pivotal role in reshaping the federal bureaucracy.
Trump’s rapid series of executive actions and controversial appointments have set the tone for an administration that appears determined to challenge norms and prioritise bold reforms. While his supporters celebrate the moves as decisive and necessary, critics argue that they signal a return to polarising governance.
Image: The Trump White House/Wikimedia Commons
Commentaires