Table of Contents
Trump Return to Power with Controversial Start
Inauguration and Immediate Actions
Trump Return to Power with Controversial Start, he reclaimed the presidency on Monday and moved quickly to impose his agenda. Hours after taking the oath of office in the Capitol Rotunda, Trump signed a flurry of executive orders targeting immigration, environmental regulations, and diversity initiatives.
Among the most controversial moves was his decision to pardon roughly 1,500 supporters convicted for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. This included leaders of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, who were serving long prison sentences.
Capitol Attack Pardons Stir Outrage
Trump’s pardons angered many, including police officers, lawmakers, and those affected by the events of January 6. The attack had resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to roughly 140 police officers. Trump’s critics described the decision as a blatant dismissal of justice.
Policy Shifts on Immigration and Border Security
Trump moved quickly to deliver on his signature issue of immigration. Shortly after being sworn in, he:
- Shut down a program that allowed migrants to enter the U.S. legally via smartphone appointments.
- Declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, unlocking funds to deploy troops.
- Signed an order to end birthright citizenship, setting the stage for legal battles.
- Designated Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations.
“We’re removing all the cancer caused by the previous administration,” Trump declared.
Dismantling Biden-Era Policies
Trump revoked multiple Biden-era initiatives, including those related to artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and remote work policies for government employees. He also froze federal hiring and created a “Department of Government Efficiency” tasked with cutting spending, chaired by billionaire Elon Musk.
Replacing Civil Servants with Loyalists
At the State Department, over a dozen nonpartisan senior diplomats were asked to resign as part of Trump’s broader push to replace career civil servants with political allies.
Culture Wars: Gender and Diversity Policies Rolled Back
Trump signed executive orders to scrap federal diversity programs and mandated that the government recognize only genders assigned at birth. These actions are expected to spark widespread debate and legal challenges.
Trump’s Vision and Controversial Claims
Speech Highlights: A Savior for America
During his inaugural address, Trump described himself as a savior chosen by God to rescue a faltering nation. “I was saved by God to make America great again,” he said.
Despite calling for unity, his speech was highly partisan, repeating false claims about the 2020 election and criticizing Biden’s policies.
Foreign Policy Proposals Raise Concerns
Trump announced bold foreign policy goals, including:
- Renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
- Taking back control of the Panama Canal.
These statements have sparked consternation among international allies.
A Dramatic Transition of Power
The Ceremony
Trump, at 78, became the first president in more than a century to win a second term after losing the White House and the oldest person ever inaugurated. His vice president, JD Vance, was sworn in alongside him.
The ceremony, held indoors due to extreme cold, was attended by former Presidents Biden, Obama, Bush, and Clinton, as well as former First Lady Hillary Clinton. Notably absent was Michelle Obama.
Biden’s Final Acts
In one of his last acts, Biden issued pardons for individuals Trump had threatened, including former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley. Shortly after Trump’s inauguration, Milley’s portrait was removed from the Pentagon.
Biden also pardoned several family members, citing fears of retribution from Trump’s administration.
“Trump Return to Power with Controversial Start”
“Trump Return to Power with Controversial Start”
“Trump Return to Power with Controversial Start”
“Trump Return to Power with Controversial Start”
“Trump Return to Power with Controversial Start”