Donald Trump was sworn in yesterday as the 47th President of the United States, declaring that God saved him from assassination attempts during his campaign to “Make America Great Again.” In a bold inaugural address, Trump laid out a vision to reverse what he described as America’s decline, unveiling sweeping domestic and international policies aimed at restoring the nation’s prosperity and security.
Trump announced a series of key initiatives, starting with immigration reform. He declared a national emergency at the southern border, pledging to halt illegal entry and deport millions of undocumented individuals he referred to as “criminal aliens.” He also promised to end the long-standing practice of granting birthright citizenship to children of illegal immigrants, a policy enshrined in the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment, and reform the asylum process to introduce an “immediate removal” policy.
On energy, Trump announced a national energy emergency aimed at expanding drilling to lower energy prices and combat inflation. He reaffirmed his intention to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord and controversially proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”
Trump also made cultural policies a priority, declaring that his administration would officially recognize only two genders—male and female. Additionally, he pledged to overhaul trade policies by imposing tariffs on foreign countries to protect American workers and stimulate the domestic economy.
Internationally, Trump criticized China’s control of the Panama Canal and vowed to reclaim it for the United States. He also expressed a desire to mediate the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for lasting peace and avoiding “World War III.”
Global leaders responded to Trump’s inauguration with mixed reactions. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed hopes for a strong transatlantic relationship, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation despite Trump’s proposed tariffs. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s pro-Israel policies during his first term and looked forward to strengthening ties. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Trump as a “dear friend,” while EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the enduring strength of transatlantic ties. Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Trump’s desire to mediate the Ukraine conflict and prevent further escalation.
Religious leaders also lent their support. Pastor William Kumuyi of the Deeper Life Bible Church prayed for Trump’s wisdom and called for unity within the church to “speak the truth to power.”
Trump’s inaugural address ended with a promise to usher in a “golden age” for America, declaring, “From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world. From this moment on, American decline is over.” His bold pledges have sparked widespread debate, with supporters hailing his decisive leadership and critics preparing for the sweeping changes ahead.
