On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking his return to the White House after a previous term. In his inaugural address, delivered inside the Capitol Rotunda, President Trump proclaimed the onset of a “golden age of America,” emphasizing themes of national renewal and strength.
Key Highlights from the Inaugural Address:
- Economic Initiatives:
President Trump announced plans to expand oil and gas extraction, encapsulated in the phrase “We will drill, baby, drill.” He also proposed imposing significant tariffs to protect American industries and the creation of an External Revenue Service to manage the anticipated tariff revenue. However, the establishment of such an agency would require congressional approval. - Foreign Policy and National Security:
The President vowed to deploy U.S. troops to the Mexican border, enhance immigration enforcement, and designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. He also expressed intentions to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” and to reclaim the Panama Canal, invoking a sense of 19th-century imperialism. - Social Policies:
A commitment to traditional values was evident as President Trump declared, “It will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female,” signaling potential policy shifts affecting gender identity recognition.
Critiques and Concerns:
While the address aimed to inspire, it has drawn criticism for its ambitious promises and potential for deepening national divisions. The presence of prominent business figures, such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, and Mark Zuckerberg, highlighted concerns about the influence of wealth and corporate power in the new administration. Additionally, the President’s combative tone and focus on retribution against perceived adversaries have raised questions about the feasibility of achieving the promised national unity. (With inputs from agencies)