Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking an extraordinary political comeback. The day will be steeped in tradition and symbolism, with an estimated 250,000 attendees braving the chilly weather in Washington, D.C., to witness history.
Trump becomes only the second president in US history, after Grover Cleveland, to serve two non-consecutive terms, signaling a momentous shift in American politics.
Highlights of the Inauguration Day
- Historic Comeback: Donald Trump reclaims the presidency, making him the 47th president and the second to serve non-consecutive terms.
- Inauguration Events: Key activities include a church service, a tea ceremony with outgoing President Joe Biden, the swearing-in at the US Capitol, and several inaugural balls.
- Swearing-In Ceremony: Trump will take the oath indoors at the US Capitol Rotunda due to extreme cold, a first since Ronald Reagan’s 1985 inauguration.
- Musical Performances: Carrie Underwood headlines the event with “America the Beautiful,” alongside performances by Lee Greenwood and Christopher Macchio.
- Security Measures: 25,000 law enforcement officers and military personnel are deployed, with unprecedented security precautions, including 30 miles of anti-scale fencing.
- Executive Actions on Day One: Trump plans to sign up to 100 executive actions, including economic reforms, climate deregulations, and immigration policies.
- Global Attention: High-profile attendees include tech leaders Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, alongside Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
The Day Unfolds: Tradition Meets Unprecedented Action
Morning Activities
The day will begin with a service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, a nod to tradition as Trump reflects on his return to the presidency. This will be followed by a meeting at the White House for tea with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, symbolizing the peaceful transfer of power.
Swearing-In Ceremony
At 12 PM EST, Donald Trump will take the presidential oath of office in the Rotunda of the US Capitol. Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath, with Trump using the same two Bibles as his first inauguration: his family Bible from 1955 and Abraham Lincoln’s 1861 Bible.
The ceremony will feature performances from Carrie Underwood and Lee Greenwood, concluding with a rendition of the national anthem by opera singer Christopher Macchio.
Donald Trump being sworn in as president on January 20 2017, at the US Capitol in Washington © wikimedia.org
Trump is expected to deliver a highly anticipated inaugural address, outlining his vision for his second term. This speech is expected to focus on restoring American prominence and executing bold policies.
Security in Focus
Security measures for the event are among the most robust in US history. The Secret Service has coordinated with multiple law enforcement agencies to ensure the event’s safety, deploying drones, 30 miles of fencing, and 25,000 officers.
While no specific threats have been reported, officials remain vigilant against lone actors.
Policy Announcements: A “Dictator on Day One”
Trump’s inauguration day promises more than pomp and ceremony. True to his campaign rhetoric, Trump has vowed to take immediate action through executive orders, potentially making history as one of the most active “Day One” presidents.
Key Policies Expected on Day One
- Immigration Reform: Launching a mass deportation program targeting undocumented immigrants.
- Economic Reforms: Imposing tariffs on imports and rescinding energy and climate regulations.
- Social Media Ban Reprieve: Signing an executive order delaying the TikTok ban.
- Capitol Riots Pardon: Pardoning defendants from the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
Industry Insights: What Trump’s Presidency Means for Businesses
Impact on Technology and Trade
Tech executives Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg are in attendance, signaling potential shifts in the regulatory landscape for Big Tech. Trump’s relationship with TikTok, and his recent promise to delay its ban, underscores his unpredictable but consequential impact on global digital platforms.
Economic Focus: Tariffs and Deregulation
Trump’s approach to imposing tariffs and deregulating industries signals a business environment geared toward revitalizing domestic manufacturing. While this could create opportunities for American firms, it also raises questions about the long-term impact on global trade relationships.
Global Diplomacy
The presence of Chinese Vice President Han Zheng reflects Beijing’s cautious optimism about working with the new administration. Trump’s decision to invite Han, despite strained US-China relations, could pave the way for diplomatic recalibration.
Inaugural Celebrations: A Night to Remember
Following the official ceremonies, Trump and his team will attend black-tie inaugural balls, including the Commander-in-Chief Ball and the Liberty Inaugural Ball.
The evening will culminate with the Starlight Ball, featuring performances by Nelly, Rascal Flatts, and the Village People. The inclusion of the latter, despite backlash, underscores Trump’s unique style of blending politics with popular culture.
A New Era for America
Donald Trump’s return to the presidency signifies more than just a political comeback—it marks a redefinition of governance in the modern era. His second term promises to be action-packed, with sweeping changes in policy and governance from day one.
As Trump steps into office, the world watches closely to see how his administration will navigate domestic challenges, global diplomacy, and economic recovery.
