Mon Jan 20 15:27:35 UTC 2025: **Trump Sworn In as 47th President Amidst Controversy and Celebration**
Washington D.C. – Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States today in a ceremony held indoors at the US Capitol Rotunda due to record-low temperatures. The event, themed “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise,” saw attendance from a range of dignitaries, including foreign ministers from India, Japan, and Australia, as well as Chinese Vice President Han Zheng – the highest-ranking Chinese official to attend a US inauguration. All living former US presidents – Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama – were also present. However, notable absences included former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
The inauguration was preceded by a victory rally where Trump reiterated key campaign promises on issues such as immigration, birthright citizenship, and the war in Ukraine. Outgoing President Joe Biden welcomed Trump and his wife, Melania, to the White House, reportedly saying “Welcome Home.” Biden also confirmed writing a traditional letter to his successor.
Trump’s first day in office is expected to be busy, with plans to issue numerous executive orders. These include measures to restrict asylum access, deploy troops to the southern border, end birthright citizenship, and declare a national emergency at the US-Mexico border. He also plans to sign an executive order recognizing only male and female as the two sexes and another ending diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the federal government. Despite earlier threats, officials say Trump will not impose new tariffs on his first day.
The inauguration has been met with mixed reactions. While some celebrated the event, others expressed concern. French Prime Minister François Bayrou warned of potential European marginalization if Trump’s policies are not countered. Pope Francis, in a message, urged Trump to lead with compassion and without hatred. Meanwhile, the mother of American journalist Austin Tice reported that the Trump administration offered support in the search for her son, who disappeared in Syria in 2012.
The event has also been marked by a surge in cryptocurrency markets, with Bitcoin reaching a record high. Concerns about the potential impact of Trump’s policies on various sectors, including oil prices and the Eurozone bond market, were evident in pre-inauguration market activity. The Indian diaspora in the US congratulated Trump, noting the growing influence of Indian Americans within his administration. However, other figures expressed anxieties regarding women’s rights and the potential for mass deportations under Trump’s new term. Even Tesla CEO Elon Musk weighed in on the TikTok ban, commenting on the situation’s implications for freedom of speech and the balance of power between the US and China. The inauguration day itself was marked by the coldest temperatures since Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration.
First Piper 