Washington: Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, scripting a stunning return to power after multiple felony convictions, two impeachments and a pair of assassination attempts.

The ceremony, moved indoors for the first time in 40 years due to freezing temperatures, also saw JD Vance sworn in as Vice President moments earlier. The inauguration was attended by tech billionaires, cabinet nominees and former presidents.

Using former President Abraham Lincoln’s Bible, Trump took the oath of office inside the packed Rotunda of the US Capitol, four years after a mob of his supporters stormed the same building to challenge his defeat by Joe Biden. Trump, 78, has become the first US President since the 19th century to win a second term after losing re-election.

In his inaugural address, Trump heralded a “golden age” for America, promising that the country be “greater, stronger and far more exceptional than ever before” under his presidency. He also disparaged Biden and Kamala Harris, whom he soundly defeated in the 2024 election, as they and the rest of the world looked on.

“For many years, a radical and corrupt establishment has extracted power and wealth from our citizens,” Trump said.

He referred to the attempts on his life in the past year, saying he was “saved by God to make America great again,” drawing a standing ovation from Republicans in the room.

“From this moment on, America’s decline is over,” the President said, declaring January 20, 2025 as ‘Liberation Day’.

Trump’s return to the White House signals the start of another turbulent four years, with promises to expand executive power, deport millions of immigrants, target political opponents, and redefine America’s global role.

Before taking office, Trump’s aides previewed an aggressive agenda, including 10 executive actions focused on immigration. The new President plans to declare a national emergency at the southern border, deploy armed troops, and reinstate the policy requiring asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while awaiting US court dates.

Earlier in the day, Trump and wife Melania Trump arrived at the White House, greeted by Biden and outgoing First Lady Jill Biden. “Welcome home,” Biden said during a brief handshake.

Trump’s victory, buoyed by widespread voter frustration over inflation, included winning the national popular vote by more than 2 million over Democratic rival Kamala Harris, though he fell short of a 50 per cent majority.


Discover more from Alfaaz - The Words

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Discover more from Alfaaz - The Words

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading