Janice R. Andrews
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, cementing an extraordinary political comeback. Despite facing four criminal indictments and surviving two assassination attempts, Trump reclaimed the presidency, vowing to restore America’s strength and global prominence.
The ceremony, held in the Capitol rotunda due to freezing temperatures, saw Trump, 78, take the oath of office using two Bibles: a family heirloom from 1955 and the Lincoln Bible. His running mate, JD Vance, was sworn in as vice president moments earlier.
Trump Declares ‘Golden Age of America’
In his 30-minute inaugural address, Trump announced, “From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world.” He outlined a vision of renewed American greatness while sharply criticizing the previous administration, led by Joe Biden, who was present at the ceremony alongside former presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton.
Calling the occasion “liberation day,” Trump emphasized his commitment to reversing policies he claimed had undermined the nation’s safety and prosperity. “America’s decline is over,” he declared.
Bold Actions on Day One
Trump laid out a sweeping agenda, detailing immediate executive actions to reshape U.S. policies:
- Border Security: Declaring a national emergency at the southern border and initiating large-scale deportations.
- Energy Independence: Launching the “drill, baby, drill” program to increase oil production and renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”
- Gender Policy: Establishing federal recognition of only two genders.
- Crime and Security: Designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and intensifying efforts to eliminate gangs.
“These actions mark the beginning of America’s complete restoration and a revolution of common sense,” Trump said.
A Shift in the Republican Party
Trump’s return signifies a deeper transformation of the Republican Party, embracing a populist and protectionist agenda. Building on his first term’s “America First” policies, his second administration aims to focus on trade renegotiations, national sovereignty, and prioritizing domestic interests over global partnerships.
Notably, Trump announced plans to reclaim the Panama Canal and launch a new era of space exploration by sending American astronauts to Mars. “We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars,” he promised.
Triumph Over Adversity
Trump’s inauguration follows one of the most turbulent paths back to the presidency in U.S. history. After facing criminal convictions and assassination attempts, Trump credited divine intervention for his survival. “I was saved by God to make America great again,” he remarked, referring to a close call last July when an assassin’s bullet narrowly missed him.
Despite legal battles—including a conviction over hush money payments and charges related to classified documents—Trump’s reelection victory secured battleground states and the popular vote. He used his address to denounce what he called the “weaponization” of government, pledging to ensure it would “never again” be used for political persecution.
A Call for Unity and Strength
Closing on a note of optimism, Trump urged Americans to unite and embrace bold ambitions. “The American people have spoken,” he said. “We will not be conquered, intimidated, or broken. From this day on, America will stand proudly, dream boldly, and act decisively.”
Trump’s second term promises a transformative era for the nation, one aimed at ushering in renewed strength, prosperity, and global respect.
