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| Donald Trump was sworn in as US president. His wife Melania Trump holds a Bible at her side at the Capitol building in Washington | Photo: AFP |
America's golden age has begun, Donald Trump promises in his inaugural address as president of the United States. At the same time, he also promises to make America great again.
On Monday, Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States at the Capitol in Washington, DC. Chief Justice John Roberts led the oath, with outgoing President Joe Biden, Jill Biden, and other important figures present. Trump, 78, placed his hand on the Bible for the oath, becoming the oldest president to take office.
This is Trump’s second time as president. His first inauguration in 2017 was held outside on the National Mall. However, due to cold weather, this ceremony was moved indoors to the Capitol building, just like President Ronald Reagan's 1985 inauguration.
Trump faces many challenges, including economic and immigration issues at home and global instability from wars. He will address these with Vice President J.D. Vance, who was sworn in just before Trump.
'The days of America's decline are over'
In his speech, Trump declared, "America’s golden age starts now. Our country will improve, gain respect, and no one will take advantage of us anymore." He promised to restore trust, freedom, and democracy and said the decline of America ends today.
Trump called his inauguration "Freedom Day" and credited God with saving his life after an election campaign attack. He also announced plans to sign an executive order to restore the United States to its former glory.
Trump to Capitol via church and White House
Before the ceremony, Trump and his wife Melania visited St. John’s Episcopal Church and then the White House. At the White House, the Bidens welcomed them for tea before heading to the Capitol together. Melania wore an eye-catching outfit, including a hat.
Prominent figures at the event included Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Tim Cook. Former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama also attended, along with Democratic rivals Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton. Foreign leaders such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Argentine President Javier Miglio were present too.
Vice President J.D. Vance was sworn in first, with his wife holding the Bible and their baby in her lap. Trump followed, taking the oath with Melania holding the Bible. A gun salute honored the new president, and Carrie Underwood and Christopher Macchio performed at the ceremony.
Executive orders under discussion
Trump is expected to sign several executive orders soon. One major order will target illegal immigration, an issue he focused on during his campaign. Other orders include accelerating artificial intelligence projects, setting up a government performance office, releasing files on John F. Kennedy’s assassination, and strengthening military defenses like the Iron Dome.
Trump’s road back to the presidency was tough. He faced four criminal cases, was convicted in one, and endured two assassination attempts during his campaign. Despite trailing Kamala Harris in polls, he won on election day, November 5, overturning predictions.
Trump previously lost to Joe Biden in 2020 but did not accept defeat. On January 6, 2021, Trump supporters rioted at the Capitol, leading to 1,270 convictions. Trump has pledged to pardon those convicted once in office. He has also threatened to retaliate against political enemies, saying, "Sometimes revenge is justified."
Congratulations to Trump
Leaders at home and abroad have congratulated Trump. In a speech to the Russian National Security Council yesterday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, "I congratulate the newly inaugurated US president on assuming office."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Trump, saying that the best days of the US-Israeli friendship were ahead. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the policies announced by Trump showed hope for strengthening US leadership and establishing long-term peace.
The list of leaders who congratulated President Trump includes UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.