He didn’t waste a second
In a moment that will go down as one of the most defining in modern American political history, Donald J. Trump was officially sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, marking the beginning of his second non-consecutive term in the White House under the Republican Party banner. The day was symbolic, unprecedented, and filled with both celebration and controversy — reflecting the complex legacy of a leader who continues to shape America’s political narrative.
The inauguration, typically held outdoors on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, was moved indoors to the historic Rotunda due to extreme winter conditions, including sub-freezing temperatures that made outdoor proceedings unsafe. Despite the weather and the unconventional venue, the day unfolded with all the pomp and ceremony of a traditional presidential swearing-in, albeit infused with a new era of political ambition and intense public scrutiny.
A Tense But Symbolic Transfer of Power
Continuing the custom of peaceful transitions, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden greeted President-elect Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump at the North Portico of the White House prior to the ceremony. Though their history is marked by tension and opposition, the meeting between the Bidens and the Trumps served as a symbolic moment of continuity in American governance.
Observers noted the reserved yet civil atmosphere, and expert lip reader Jeremy Freeman shared with The Irish Times a light exchange between the two political rivals. According to Freeman, Biden greeted Trump warmly with a simple “Welcome home,” to which Trump responded, “How are you? It’s so cold. I need to do my coat up — I’m freezing.” Biden, also braving the cold, agreed, prompting Trump to quip, “Shut up, Biden,” in a tone Freeman described as humorous rather than hostile. Trump allegedly followed the comment with a remark about skiing weather, adding, “It’s colder than when we ski,” to which Biden simply replied, “It’s hello,” before suggesting they go inside.
It was a rare, candid moment between two men whose public personas are usually locked in opposition, and it revealed a layer of humanity behind the political theatrics.
The Road to Trump’s Return: Biden’s Exit and Harris’s Endorsement
Trump’s reemergence as president followed months of speculation about President Joe Biden’s health and ability to serve a second term. After turning 82 years old, Biden faced mounting pressure both publicly and within his own party. In July, he made the dramatic decision to withdraw from the 2024 race, citing that it was “in the best interest of my party and country.”
In a highly anticipated speech, Biden officially endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, as his successor and Democratic nominee. His departure paved the way for a heated campaign season, but ultimately, Trump captured the momentum — and the electoral college victory, securing 312 electoral votes to reclaim the presidency.
Trump’s win sent shockwaves through political circles and energized his base, which had remained strong and vocal throughout his years out of office. His message of “restoring American greatness” once again resonated with voters across key battleground states.
Immediate Action: Reversing Biden-Era Policies
Wasting no time, President Trump began signing executive orders within hours of taking office, reversing several Biden-era policies and reinstating his prior agenda from 2017–2021. Among the most controversial and widely discussed moves was his decision to pardon or commute the sentences of over 1,500 individuals charged or convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, a decision that sparked fierce debate and protests across the country.
Additionally, Trump issued an executive order to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement — for the second time in his political career. Having initially pulled the U.S. out of the agreement in 2017, a move that Biden reversed upon taking office in 2021, Trump reaffirmed his stance on fossil fuel independence, stating:
“We will be a rich nation again, and it is that liquid gold under our feet that will help to do it.”
This sentiment was further reinforced by his revocation of a 2023 executive order by Biden that had barred oil drilling in the Arctic, reopening contentious discussions about environmental protection versus economic expansion.
Social Policy and Cultural Flashpoints
One of the more polarizing decisions in Trump’s early days back in office came with an executive order declaring that the U.S. government would officially recognize only two genders—male and female.
“As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female,” Trump announced during his inaugural address.
Critics viewed the move as a step backward in LGBTQ+ rights, while supporters praised it as a return to traditional values. The decision immediately drew legal challenges and protests from civil rights organizations across the nation.
In a more symbolic and arguably eccentric decision, Trump also shared plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and to restore the name of Alaska’s Denali mountain to its former name, Mount McKinley—a change originally made by President Barack Obama in 2015. The proposals were met with both amusement and resistance, with many questioning the priorities of such symbolic changes amid more pressing national concerns.
A Mysterious Letter and Presidential Traditions
Inside the Oval Office, Trump reportedly found a farewell letter left by Biden, though not until prompted by a journalist who reminded him that such letters are part of a long-standing presidential tradition. While the contents of the letter remain private, sources say it struck a tone of professionalism and grace — a final gesture from Biden to his successor.
The discovery marked a rare moment of tradition in what has otherwise been a politically charged transition.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
As Trump settles back into the White House, the world watches closely. Supporters are hopeful that this second term will deliver on promises of economic revival, national security, and conservative reform. Detractors, on the other hand, brace for further polarization, protests, and legal battles.
What’s clear is that the return of Donald Trump to the presidency is not just a political event—it is a cultural moment. One that will undoubtedly shape the next four years of American life, from climate policy to civil rights, global diplomacy to domestic unity.
Whether you view his comeback as a redemption story or a political regression, Donald Trump is once again at the helm of the world’s most powerful office—a reality that will reverberate far beyond the Rotunda walls where he took his oath.
And this time, he appears more determined, more direct, and more emboldened than ever.
