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Donald Trump Sworn in for Second Term Amidst Controversy and Turbulence

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On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump will be sworn in as U.S. president, commencing another turbulent four-year term characterized by promises to expand executive power, deport millions of immigrants, retaliate against political adversaries, and redefine the United States’ role on the global stage.

Picture of Donald Trump after getting shot in one of his rallies.

This inauguration marks a remarkable comeback for Trump, who has survived two impeachment trials, convictions, two assassination attempts, and an indictment for allegedly attempting to overturn his 2020 election loss. The ceremony, set for noon (1700 GMT) inside the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, reflects heightened security and extreme weather conditions, making it the first indoor swearing-in in 40 years.

A Presidency Redefined

Trump, the first president since the 19th century to win a second term after a defeat, has pledged immediate action. Among his Day One promises is a sweeping pardon for over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. This move accompanies a raft of executive actions targeting immigration, energy policies, and tariffs.

At a rally on January 19, Trump vowed to impose stringent immigration restrictions immediately upon taking office. As in his first term, he returns to Washington as a disruptive force, determined to reshape the federal government and express skepticism about traditional U.S. alliances formed after World War II.

Trump in one of his Rallies

Electoral and Political Context

Trump secured the national popular vote over Vice President Kamala Harris by more than 2 million votes, driven by widespread voter dissatisfaction with inflation. Despite falling short of a 50% majority, his Electoral College victory solidified his mandate. This parallels his 2016 win, where he also lost the popular vote but triumphed in the Electoral College.

Jeremi Suri, a presidential historian at the University of Texas at Austin, likened this era to the late 19th century, when Grover Cleveland achieved non-consecutive terms amidst societal upheaval. “It’s an existential moment for a nation grappling with profound economic, racial, and social transformations,” Suri said.

Policy Priorities and Challenges Ahead

Trump’s administration plans to replace nonpartisan bureaucrats with loyalists and has proposed controversial actions, including seizing strategic assets like Greenland and imposing new tariffs on key trading partners. His influence has already impacted global affairs, as seen in his role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ahead of his inauguration.

The White House in Washington DC at summer day. The White House is home of the President of the United States of America, Washington DC, USA.

Trump’s bold assertion that he could end the Russia-Ukraine war on his first day has been tempered by his advisers, who caution that a peace deal may take months. Meanwhile, his cabinet appointments reflect a preference for loyalty over experience, with several nominees openly critical of the agencies they are set to lead.

Security and Public Reception

Heavy security measures surround the inauguration following an increase in political violence. Federal authorities remain vigilant after recent attacks, including a New Year’s Day incident in New Orleans where an Army veteran killed 14 in an Islamic State-inspired act of terrorism.

Eight years ago, Trump’s inaugural address decried “American carnage.” This year, foreign governments and domestic critics alike will scrutinize his tone as he begins his second term. The traditional parade has been moved indoors to the Capital One Arena, where Trump held a victory rally the previous evening. Three inaugural balls are planned for the evening.

Executive Actions in Focus

Trump’s initial executive orders are expected to tighten immigration rules, classify drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, and declare an emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border. Other actions may reverse Biden-era environmental regulations and withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement. These orders are likely to face immediate legal challenges.

Legal and Political Implications

Trump enters office as the first person with convictions to hold the presidency, following a New York jury’s verdict on falsified business records. Despite this, he avoided sentencing penalties due to his imminent presidency. Winning the election also shielded him from federal indictments related to the 2020 election and classified documents, thanks to a Justice Department policy prohibiting presidential prosecution while in office.

Special Counsel Jack Smith’s recent report indicated sufficient evidence to convict Trump in the election interference case had it gone to trial. As Trump’s term begins, his actions and leadership will undoubtedly shape the nation’s trajectory during a pivotal period in history.

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