Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, vowing to usher in a “golden age” and transform the nation through executive orders to eliminate illegal immigration.
After taking an oath to “protect the Constitution” under the Capitol’s dome in Washington, the Republican delivered an inaugural address outlining a series of measures aimed at “Making America Great Again,” a slogan he has championed since his first term (2017–2021).
His top priority: deporting undocumented immigrants and preventing their entry. He vowed to spare no effort.
The 78-year-old businessman pledged to sign multiple orders declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, blocking migrant entry, and deporting “millions and millions of criminal foreigners back to their countries of origin.”
He announced plans to revive his “Remain in Mexico” program, requiring migrants to await immigration case outcomes on the other side of the border. He also pledged to designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Cartels and Gangs
Trump also intends to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to “eliminate the presence of all gangs,” explicitly targeting Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.
On the diplomatic front, he proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, imposing tariffs on third-party countries to “enrich” U.S. citizens, and regaining control of the Panama Canal.
“China is operating the Panama Canal, and we didn’t give it to China,” the Republican insisted.
Broadly, he promised to roll back several measures or policies enacted by his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden.
For example, Trump plans to end diversity programs, withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement for a second time, and declare a “national energy emergency” to significantly expand hydrocarbon extraction in the world’s largest oil and gas producer.
The tycoon promised a “golden age” to end the nation’s “decline,” restoring its status as a globally respected and prosperous power, with ambitions of planting the U.S. flag on Mars.
Believing himself divinely saved from an assassination attempt during the campaign, Trump warned that “the scales of justice will be rebalanced.”
“The violent and unjust use of the Department of Justice and our government will end,” declared the millionaire, who has been convicted of criminal offenses. He pledged to dismantle Biden’s “radical and corrupt” administration.

Civilized Transition
Aware of Trump’s thirst for vengeance, Biden granted last-minute preventative pardons to five family members, lawmakers, and officials targeted by his successor.
“They are pardons for people who were very, very guilty of serious crimes,” Trump protested in a second speech at the Capitol, primarily targeting members of the congressional investigative committee who accused him of involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots.
Despite the animosity, Biden ensured a smooth transition until the last moment, departing by helicopter after attending his rival’s inauguration.
Biden hosted Trump and his wife, Melania, clad in navy blue and a white-banded hat, at the White House for a courtesy visit.
Three of the world’s wealthiest individuals—tech magnates Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos—joined Trump at the inauguration, attended by former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.

The new president then headed to Washington’s Capital One Arena, where supporters began arriving at dawn.
“Jesus is my Savior, and Donald Trump is my president. Seeing how this man has changed not just the country but the world is so enlightening,” said Rachel Peters, a 28-year-old supporter, to AFP.
Trump’s day began with a religious service at St. John’s Episcopal Church and concluded with celebratory balls.
His victory has energized the global far-right. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa attended the ceremony, though foreign leaders are rarely invited.
Also present were Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia, whom Trump recognizes as the “elected president” of the Caribbean nation.
For Trump, the day marked the beginning of his exit from the stage. However, he must come to terms with the constitutional two-term limit, barring a forceful challenge.
By: AFP