Tue Jan 21 15:43:34 IST 2025: **Trump Returns to White House in Historic Second Term, Unveiling Sweeping Agenda**
Washington, D.C. – Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, marking the commencement of his second, non-consecutive term. The inauguration, moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to frigid weather, saw Trump take the oath of office alongside newly sworn-in Vice President J.D. Vance.
In a departure from tradition, the ceremony took place inside the Capitol Rotunda due to unusually cold weather. Trump’s inaugural address outlined an ambitious agenda for his next four years, promising a rapid transformation of American policy both domestically and internationally.
Immediately following the ceremony, Trump signed approximately 80 executive orders, reversing numerous actions taken by the Biden administration. These actions included:
* **Energy Policy:** A declaration of a national energy emergency, prioritizing domestic oil and gas production, withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, and reversing environmental protections.
* **Immigration:** A sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration, deploying the military to the border, reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and potentially ending birthright citizenship.
* **Trade:** Threats of imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, citing concerns about illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Further review of trade relationships with China was also initiated.
* **Foreign Policy:** Plans to reclaim the Panama Canal, an ambiguous statement regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, and the reinstatement of Cuba to the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
* **Personnel:** The immediate dismissal of several senior government officials appointed during the previous administration and a warning of further dismissals to come.
* **Pardons:** Pardons granted to participants in the January 6th, 2021 Capitol riot.
Trump’s inauguration was attended by a number of high-profile figures including tech billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, as well as several foreign dignitaries. However, the event also sparked controversy. Musk’s hand gesture at a pre-inaugural rally drew comparisons to a Nazi salute, leading to criticism and the Spanish Labour Minister’s withdrawal from X (formerly Twitter). The Palestinian Authority also accused Trump of inciting Israeli settler violence.
The global response to Trump’s return to power was varied. While some world leaders offered congratulations, others expressed concerns about his policies, particularly his stance on climate change and trade. China, in particular, expressed both hope for cooperation and concern over potential trade disputes and the withdrawal from the World Health Organization. India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, attended the inauguration, representing India’s interest in maintaining a strong relationship with the US.
The return of the “Diet Coke” button to the Oval Office was also noted, highlighting the return of familiar aspects of the Trump presidency. The White House website also received a redesign, showcasing imagery from Trump’s first term and campaign rallies. The day’s events concluded with inaugural balls attended by a select group of supporters. The overall impression is one of a decisive and potentially highly disruptive second term for President Trump.