Donald Trump was sworn in for a historic second term as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, 2025, during a ceremony held indoors at the US Capitol due to frigid weather conditions. In his inauguration speech, he declared, "The golden age of America begins right now. From this day forward our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world," according to Le Monde.

Trump, at 78, became the oldest individual to take the presidential oath. He emphasized a sense of urgency, pledging to combat what he described as a "broken" society shaped by a "radical and corrupt establishment." "From this moment on, America's decline is over," he asserted, framing his administration as a fresh mandate to restore American values and democracy.

As part of his immediate agenda, Trump aims to sign a series of executive orders, reversing key policies from the Biden administration, particularly concerning immigration. He announced plans to deport "millions and millions" of undocumented migrants and to declare a national emergency at the southern border with Mexico. His commitment to addressing these issues drew enthusiastic cheers from supporters present at the Capitol.

The inauguration ceremony, attended by a select group including tech moguls such as Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, was starkly less populated than typical presidential inaugurations. Several hundred supporters gathered on the National Mall, a significant reduction compared to previous events where thousands convened to witness the historic event. Notably, former president Joe Biden attended alongside Trump, symbolizing a return to tradition after Trump's refusal to attend Biden's inauguration in 2021. Biden reportedly welcomed Trump with, "Welcome home," as they entered the White House earlier in the day.

Trump's new term is set to commence with dramatic shifts in policy and governance, as he intends to launch approximately 100 executive orders aimed at dismantling many of Biden’s previous initiatives. These include revamping government roles and targeting immigration reform that resonates with his nationalist agenda. Unusually, representatives from foreign nations, such as Argentina's president Javier Milei and Italy's prime minister Giorgia Meloni, were notable presences at the ceremony, emphasizing Trump’s global outreach aspirations.

This inauguration marks a significant moment in American political history, with Trump aiming to reshape the country's future by addressing the core issues he believes have long been neglected. Observers will be watching closely as the new administration embarks on this ambitious path once more in the Oval Office.

For further reading, refer to Le Monde.