Trump sworn in for second term as US president, announces bold initiatives
Trump sworn in for second term as US president, announces bold initiatives
M.U.H
20/01/202519
Donald J. Trump took the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, marking a dramatic return to power four years after leaving Washington in political turmoil. Trump, accompanied by vice-president J.D. Vance, delivered a fiery inaugural address in which he declared the beginning of a "golden age" for America and outlined an ambitious agenda of immediate executive actions.
In his speech, Trump proclaimed 20 January as "Liberation Day," pointing that “America's decline is over” and promising sweeping changes to restore the nation’s stature globally. “From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world,” he declared.
Executive orders: From immigration to energy
Among Trump’s initial actions was the declaration of a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, a move aimed at halting illegal immigration. He also announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” and reclaim control of the Panama Canal. These measures reflect his broader vision of an assertive and self-reliant United States.
Energy policies took center stage as Trump declared a national energy emergency to drive down costs and expand oil and gas production. “America will be a manufacturing nation once again. We have the largest reserves of oil and gas in the world, and we are going to use it,” he said, reiterating his commitment to revoking mandates promoting electric vehicles and bolstering traditional energy industries.
Trump also signed an executive order to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, a move he had executed during his first term but which was reversed under Joe Biden. He criticised the accord as a “one-sided deal” that unfairly burdened American workers while allowing nations like China to pollute with impunity.
National security and TikTok controversy
On the technology front, Trump issued an executive order extending the deadline for TikTok’s operations in the US by 75 days. He highlighted national security concerns while seeking a resolution that safeguards the app’s 170 million American users. “My administration must review sensitive intelligence and evaluate mitigation measures taken by TikTok,” he said.
This decision followed legislative action under the Biden administration, which had mandated ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest its US operations or face a ban. Trump’s move buys time for further negotiations while avoiding an abrupt shutdown.
In his address, Trump spoke on the themes of sovereignty, economic revival, and freedom of expression. He pledged to revoke restrictions on free speech and “end the weaponisation of the Justice Department.” Promising to restore America’s preeminence, he stated, “We will not be conquered or intimidated. From this day forward, the United States will be a free, sovereign, and independent nation.”
The former president also vowed to reassert control over tariffs and trade, creating a government entity dedicated to collecting tariffs and stimulating domestic production.
Trump’s return to the presidency is regarded as one of the most significant political comebacks in US history. Defying criminal convictions, two impeachment trials, and two assassination attempts, he secured a resounding victory over Democratic rival Kamala Harris in the 5 November 2024 election.
The inauguration ceremony, moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to frigid weather, was attended by key political figures and global business leaders, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Tim Cook. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy, signaling continued US-India collaboration.
On X (formerly Twitter), Modi congratulated Trump and expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties.
Trump’s ambitious plans face significant challenges, including skepticism from the international community and opposition at home. However, his promises to rebuild the economy, expand energy production, and assert America’s global dominance have energized his supporters.
“The future is ours, and our golden age has just begun,” Trump declared. His administration’s aggressive policy resets are expected to shape the political and economic trajectory of the United States for years to come.
