Donald Trump has been officially sworn in as the 47th President of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts, marking a dramatic political return after his felony convictions. His running mate, JD Vance, took the oath of office administered by Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
In his inauguration speech, Trump declared that “the golden age of America begins right now.” The new administration is preparing to implement numerous executive actions, including efforts to end birthright citizenship and declaring a national emergency regarding the U.S.-Mexico border, according to incoming White House sources. Additionally, sources informed CNN that Trump plans to pardon some individuals involved in the January 6 riots on his first day in office.
The inauguration event was attended by a broad spectrum of political figures, former presidents, and influential billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. Country music sensation Carrie Underwood performed “America the Beautiful” at the event. The world was able to tune in to the proceedings via various media platforms.
In the lead-up to the inauguration, outgoing President Joe Biden took a significant step by issuing pardons for key individuals. These included General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members of Congress who had been involved in investigating the January 6 events. Biden also granted preemptive pardons to his family members, including his brothers James and Frank, his sister Valerie, and their spouses.
Trump took the opportunity in his speech to reflect on his personal journey and the significance of his victory. In particular, he referenced a moment of personal reflection tied to an assassination attempt during his campaign. “My life was saved by the grace of God to make America great again,” Trump said, evoking religious imagery. This sentiment was shared by many of his supporters, who believed his survival of the assassination attempt was a divine sign.
Trump further characterized Inauguration Day, January 20, 2025, as “liberation day,” emphasizing the hope that the presidential election would be remembered as “the greatest and most consequential election in the history of our country.” He argued that his victory marked a broad and rapidly growing unity among the American people. “The entire nation is rapidly unifying behind our agenda with dramatic increases in support from virtually every element of our society,” he stated.
Acknowledging the diverse coalition that helped propel him to victory, Trump expressed gratitude toward Black and Hispanic voters. He thanked them for the “tremendous outpouring of love and trust that you have shown me with your vote.” He vowed to remember this support, saying, “We set records and I will not forget it. I’ve heard your voices on the campaign, and I look forward to working with you in the years to come.”
Trump also addressed the recent devastation caused by wildfires in Los Angeles, where numerous homes were destroyed. These fires, exacerbated by high winds, affected not only the general public but also some of the “wealthiest and most powerful” individuals in the country. “They’re raging through the houses and communities, even affecting some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in our country, some of whom are sitting here right now. They don’t have a home any longer,” Trump remarked. Despite the loss, he underscored the importance of preventing further tragedies, stating, “That’s interesting. But we can’t let this happen.”
In another portion of his speech, Trump criticized the Biden administration, which was present at the inauguration, for its handling of domestic and international challenges. “We now have a government that cannot manage a simple crisis at home while at the same time stumble into a continuing catalog of catastrophic events abroad,” he claimed. He also expressed frustration over immigration policies, asserting that the government had “failed to protect our magnificent law-abiding citizens but proves sanctuary and protection for dangerous criminals.” Trump continued, emphasizing the disparity in border protection efforts: “We have a government that has given unlimited funding to the defense of foreign borders but refuses to defend American borders or, more importantly, its own people.”
Trump highlighted his commitment to ending what he described as America’s ongoing decline, particularly in sectors like education and healthcare. He vowed to reverse the current trajectory swiftly: “All of this will change starting today, and it will change very quickly,” he said. His victory, he asserted, was a mandate to undo “a horrible betrayal” of the American people. “From this moment on, America’s decline is over,” Trump declared, signaling his intention to enact sweeping reforms.
As the 47th president, Trump expressed optimism and confidence about the future. He promised to lead the country into “a thrilling new era of national success” and emphasized that “a tide of change is sweeping the country.” Reflecting on the opportunities before the nation, he said, “Sunlight is pouring over the entire world and America has the chance to seize this opportunity like never before.” His words were an indication of his hope to restore American greatness and assert the country’s place on the world stage.
With his inaugural speech, Trump set the tone for his presidency, stressing the need for immediate change and national unity. From addressing the wildfires to criticizing the previous administration, he laid out an ambitious agenda aimed at reasserting American values and interests. As the nation looks forward to the new administration, Trump’s bold promises will serve as a framework for the first term of his presidency.
The inauguration of President Donald Trump marks the beginning of a new chapter in American politics, characterized by promises of national revitalization and a determination to reverse the country’s perceived decline. His speech touched on various themes, from personal reflections to critiques of the previous administration, and outlined his vision for the future. With a strong emphasis on unity and restoration, Trump’s presidency begins with a clear sense of direction, ready to implement the changes he campaigned on.
“It has been a privilege to contribute to our community over the years in various capacities, and I am truly humbled to stand alongside so many remarkable individuals who share a commitment to service. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Commissioner Sadia Covert for her unwavering leadership and support.”