Standing before the country with his hand on a Bible, Donald J. Trump took the oath of office as President of the United States for the second time. On Monday, the 78-year-old Republican took back the presidency after a tumultuous four-year absence, creating a scene in the Capitol Rotunda that was both familiar and tense.
Among the dignitaries, senators, and former presidents in the Rotunda, Chief Justice John Roberts gave the oath to the man who has continued to be a contentious figure in American politics. This was Trump’s unlikely comeback to power, demonstrating his continued power inside the Republican Party and among a devoted following of voters.
Trump used a tone in his inaugural speech that wavered between resistance and hope. He presented a clear image of a country in decline, but he also pledged to lead it to a daring comeback.
“My recent election is a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal,” he declared, his voice steady but charged with emotion. “From this moment on, America’s decline is over.”
This was a markedly different Trump than the one who assumed office in 2017. The Trump of 2025 exuded confidence and a readiness to wield executive power immediately.
“We will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense,” he said, outlining an ambitious agenda that included a pro-business energy policy, a crackdown on irregular migration, and sweeping territorial ambitions.
He declared that declaring an emergency on the southern border would be one of his first actions. Trump pledged to send troops to the border and reintroduce his divisive « Remain in Mexico » policy, declaring that « all illegal entry will immediately be halted. » Additionally, he promised to detain and deport foreign nationals engaged in what he called « criminal networks » using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
“As commander in chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions,” he proclaimed.
Despite outlining these harsh steps, Trump’s speech was more upbeat than his infamously sombre 2017 inaugural address, which denounced « American carnage. »
“I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success,” Trump said. “A tide of change is sweeping the country. Sunlight is pouring over the entire world. And America has the chance to seize this opportunity like never before.”
In a display of institutional continuity, former presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden attended the event, which was rich in tradition.
Senator Amy Klobuchar subtly acknowledged the polarising political environment when she introduced the day’s subject as « our enduring democracy. »
However, although he did not specifically identify Biden, Trump lost no time in denouncing his predecessor when he ascended the podium.
“Our sovereignty will be reclaimed. Our safety will be restored. The scales of justice will be rebalanced,” he said, casting the outgoing administration as part of a “radical and corrupt establishment.”
Though several attendees appeared obviously uneasy with Trump’s aggressive rhetoric, his followers did occasionally applaud his remarks.
His first tenure ended in turmoil, and he faced legal challenges and political comebacks throughout his four years out of office. Trump became the first American president to be found guilty of a felony in May 2023. For falsifying business documents to hide hush-money payments during the 2016 election, he was found guilty by a New York jury.
He also had a long list of other legal issues, such as claims that he mishandled confidential papers and meddled in the Georgia election. However, the Justice Department followed its long-standing policy of not prosecuting sitting presidents, and federal charges were dropped in November 2024 following Trump’s election.
Trump presented these court cases as a part of a larger attempt to silence him in his inaugural address.
“Over the past eight years, I have been tested and challenged more than any president in our 250-year history,” he said. “The journey to reclaim our republic has not been an easy one.”
Trump has bigger plans for his second term than just domestic issues. In his speech, he laid out a comprehensive plan to increase American power both domestically and internationally.
“The United States will once again consider itself a growing nation, one that increases our wealth, expands our territory, builds our cities, raises our expectations, and carries our flag into new and beautiful horizons,” Trump said.
He pledged to pursue what he called “manifest destiny into the stars,” promising to send American astronauts to Mars to plant the flag. He also reiterated his controversial calls for territorial expansion, including the return of the Panama Canal to U.S. control and even the assimilation of Greenland and Canada.
“We gave it to Panama,” he said of the canal. “And we’re taking it back.”
Trump’s speech also touched on cultural issues that have divided the nation. He vowed to end government efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, describing them as “social engineering.”
“As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female,” he said, drawing sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates.
He also pledged to dismantle what he called “woke” programs in schools and workplaces, framing them as antithetical to his vision of a “colour-blind and merit-based” society.
Despite his divisive rhetoric, Trump repeatedly referred to himself as a “unifier.”
“My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier,” he said, insisting his policies would bring stability and prosperity to the nation and the world.
A First Lady’s Statement
With her outfit selection, First Lady Melania Trump made a statement of her own, albeit a more subdued one.
She exuded subtle elegance while wearing a pencil skirt, a double-breasted coat, an ivory shirt, and a navy boater-style toque. In contrast to her husband’s audacious political pronouncements, others viewed the ensemble as a homage to conservative values.
Written by Olivier Noudjalbaye Dedingar, USA/UN Correspondent
