Donald Trump, inaugurated on Monday, wasted no time asserting his authority by pardoning approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. The move stirred widespread outrage among law enforcement and lawmakers, as the riots were a dark chapter in U.S. history, with over 140 police officers assaulted and multiple casualties. Trump also ordered the early release of 14 prominent leaders of far-right groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, though their convictions remain intact.
Taking the oath of office in the Capitol Rotunda, where the 2021 riots unfolded, Trump painted himself as a divine savior tasked with restoring American greatness. At 78, he becomes the first president to reclaim the White House after a defeat and the first with a criminal conviction. With Republican majorities in Congress, Trump immediately implemented controversial executive actions.
Among his first acts was declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, halting refugee programs, and revoking birthright citizenship. He also withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate accord for the second time, dismantling efforts to combat global climate change. Additionally, Trump dissolved federal diversity programs, froze federal hiring, and mandated a return to in-office work for government employees.
In foreign policy, Trump announced intentions to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” and pledged to reclaim control of the Panama Canal. These pronouncements unsettled international allies, adding to the tension surrounding his return to power.
Trump also introduced a “Department of Government Efficiency,” chaired by Elon Musk, aimed at slashing government spending. Musk, alongside Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, had a prominent role during the inauguration, emphasizing Trump’s ties to the tech elite.
The inauguration ceremony, moved indoors due to extreme cold, was attended by former presidents and political leaders, including Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Barack Obama. Biden, in a final act as president, pardoned individuals targeted by Trump, including General Mark Milley.
Despite Trump’s calls for unity during his speech, his rhetoric remained divisive, reiterating claims of election fraud and criticizing Biden’s administration. With bold promises and sweeping changes, Trump’s unprecedented return signals a contentious era ahead for the United States.
