Washington (Web Desk/Agencies): Donald Trump took the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States (US), marking the start of his second term on Monday.
The ceremony was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to below-freezing temperatures, and was attended by a wide range of dignitaries, including former presidents, members of Congress, and notable figures from various industries. Pakistan's ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, was also present.
In his inaugural speech, Trump wasted no time in laying out his vision for the country, declaring, “The golden age of America begins right now.” He framed his recent election victory as a “mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal” and restore the nation’s strength.
Trump described the state of America as one in decline, but asserted that this decline was over, vowing to give citizens “their faith, their wealth, their democracy and indeed their freedom.”
His address painted a bleak picture of the country’s struggles, including a failing healthcare system and an education system that he claimed fosters shame. “All of this will change, starting today, and it will change very quickly,” he declared.
Trump’s executive actions followed immediately after the ceremony, with a focus on border security and immigration—issues he has prioritized throughout his political career.
One of the most significant actions was the declaration of a national emergency at the southern border, where he ordered armed troops to be deployed and reinstated a policy requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for US court hearings.
In his speech, he expressed his determination to tackle what he saw as an out-of-control migrant crisis, accusing the previous administration of allowing dangerous criminals to enter the country.
The president also criticized the Biden administration’s handling of domestic and international crises, emphasizing that “we now have a government that cannot manage even a simple crisis at home.”
He referenced recent natural disasters, like hurricanes in North Carolina and wildfires in Los Angeles, saying, “They don’t have a home any longer. That’s interesting,” noting that some of the affected wealthy and powerful individuals were present at the ceremony.
Trump’s address also included some ambitious claims, such as his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and to seize the Panama Canal, declaring, “We’re taking it back.”
Throughout his speech, Trump emphasized that the moment marked the beginning of a “thrilling new era of national success,” with “sunlight pouring over the entire world” and a chance for America to seize new opportunities.
Reflecting on his personal challenges, including surviving two assassination attempts, Trump said, “I’ve been tested more than any president” and noted that his survival was for a reason: “to make America great again.”
Donald Trump framed his political journey as one that had faced numerous obstacles, with many seeking to stop his mission to revive the nation.