SRINAGAR: Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday during the 60th Presidential Inauguration. The historic ceremony took place in the Capitol Rotunda due to extreme cold in Washington. Trump’s return to the White House comes after a tumultuous political journey marked by impeachments, legal challenges, and even an assassination attempt.
In his inaugural address, Trump declared the United States was facing a “crisis of trust” and vowed to prioritise sovereignty, security, and justice. He also outlined an ambitious agenda, promising immediate action on issues including immigration, energy, and federal diversity initiatives.
Trump signalled his intention to move swiftly, with plans to sign several executive orders targeting illegal immigration, expanding fossil fuel production, and dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes in federal agencies. He criticised these initiatives as discriminatory and pledged to establish a merit-based system free of preferential practices.
Energy policy is set for a dramatic shift, with the administration poised to roll back Biden-era climate regulations and increase domestic oil and gas production. Trump’s “America First” foreign policy will also be reinstated, focusing on national sovereignty and recalibrating relations with key players like China and Russia.
During his speech, Trump reflected on an assassination attempt he survived during his campaign, attributing his survival to divine intervention. “I was saved by God to make America great again,” he declared, striking a tone of resilience and purpose.
The inauguration marks a turning point in U.S. politics as Trump begins a second term expected to be defined by conservative policies and a rollback of the previous administration’s initiatives. Following the ceremony, Trump addressed supporters at a rally, reinforcing his vision of a renewed America and pledging to fulfil his campaign promises.
As the nation grapples with deep political divisions, Trump’s return to power sets the stage for a transformative and contentious chapter in American governance.
On the eve of his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump energised supporters with a rally in Washington, outlining bold plans for his presidency and celebrating what he described as early successes on the global stage. Speaking to a packed Capital One Arena, Trump promised swift action to deliver on his 2024 campaign pledges, including restoring TikTok, releasing classified documents related to historic assassinations, and issuing pardons for January 6 Capitol rioters.
Trump declared that his presidency would begin with a flurry of executive actions aimed at repealing Biden-era policies and advancing conservative priorities, such as expanding domestic energy production and dismantling diversity programmes in federal agencies. He characterised these efforts as part of delivering the “most extraordinary first 100 days” in US history. Trump said his administration was ready to hit the ground running, with plans to sign more than 200 executive actions on his first day in office.
One of Trump’s key points was his claim of indirect credit for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, negotiated in collaboration with the outgoing Biden administration. Trump highlighted the release of three Israeli hostages, part of a broader deal expected to free dozens more in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. “This agreement could only have happened as a result of our historic victory in November,” Trump said, calling it an example of his administration’s ability to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East. He credited his incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, for his role in securing the deal, which he said signalled a new era of diplomatic strength.
The rally also spotlighted Trump’s alignment with influential figures like Elon Musk, who will head the new Department of Government Efficiency. Musk joined Trump on stage, where Trump lauded his contributions to technology and innovation, calling him a “genius” and underscoring his importance in shaping government reforms.
Trump also turned his attention to domestic issues, pledging to rebuild wildfire-ravaged California and prepare Los Angeles to host the 2028 Olympics. “Together we will rebuild Los Angeles better and more beautiful than ever before,” he said, emphasising the role of private-sector partnerships and “world-class builders” in these efforts. He expressed solidarity with those affected by the fires, promising swift federal support.
The president-elect also reiterated his promise to release long-classified files on the assassinations of John F Kennedy, Robert F Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. “It’s all going to be released,” Trump told supporters, framing the move as part of his administration’s commitment to transparency.
Trump’s remarks blended his trademark campaign rhetoric with previews of an ambitious agenda designed to transform the political landscape. As he promised his supporters, “Tomorrow, you’re going to have a lot of fun watching television.”
