Donald Trump Sworn In For Historic Second Term As 47th U.S. President

Donald Trump was sworn in for a historic second term as president on Monday, pledging a swift series of executive orders on immigration and cultural issues as he solidifies his remarkable political comeback.

With one hand on a Bible given to him by his mother, the 47th U.S. president took the oath of office under the Capitol Rotunda. The ceremony, held indoors due to freezing weather, marked the first time in decades the event was not conducted outdoors.

Republican Trump and outgoing Democratic President Joe Biden arrived together at the Capitol following a traditional tea at the White House, where Biden greeted Trump with the words, “Welcome home.”

Unlike his first inauguration in 2017, where Trump was an outsider, this time he was surrounded by prominent figures, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Sundar Pichai, all seated among Trump’s family and cabinet members. Musk, a key donor to Trump’s campaign, is expected to lead cost-cutting initiatives for the new administration.

In a break from tradition, Trump’s inauguration drew international attention, with Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in attendance. Former U.S. presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton also attended, though Michelle Obama notably abstained.

Despite the scaled-back ceremony, Trump launched into his presidency with immediate plans to reshape the nation’s policies. He is set to issue 100 executive orders, including declaring a national emergency at the Mexican border, ending birthright citizenship, and restricting federal diversity programs. Trump has also vowed to recognize only two biological sexes under federal law.

In his inauguration-eve rally, Trump promised a “brand new day” for the nation, painting a stark contrast to what he described as “four years of decline.” However, his agenda reflects the hardline nationalist approach that defined his earlier presidency.

As Biden concluded his presidency, he issued preemptive pardons for family members and notable figures, including Anthony Fauci and Mark Milley, and left a private letter for Trump, continuing a long-standing tradition.

Trump’s second term begins with a mix of ambition and controversy, setting the stage for dramatic domestic and international shifts. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Trump and expressed openness to dialogue on the Ukraine conflict, signaling potential geopolitical changes ahead.

Trump now holds the distinction of being the oldest U.S. president sworn in and only the second to return to office after losing a previous election, following Grover Cleveland. His return heralds a new era of unpredictability on both the national and global stages.