THE OLD SWITCHEROO

MR. SCHULTE'S NEW NEWS BOARD; PHOTO BY BENJAMIN BRENNER

Pomp and Circumstance

In the Capitol Rotunda on Monday, January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was again inaugurated President of the United States—this time as the 47th. The ceremony was rather uneventful and small. It proceeded with the following elements: a rendition by operatic tenor Christopher Macchio of “O, America,” the inauguration itself, Trump’s inaugural address, “America the Beautiful” sung by Carrie Underwood, three benediction prayers, and the national anthem sung by Macchio.

The most remarkable aspect, as expected, of the ceremony was the new president’s inaugural address. Trump’s half-hour speech for the most part reiterated claims and promises made during his campaign. He promised sweeping reforms ranging from immigration control, economic improvement, energy production increase, to even physical expansion.

The Bringer of Peace

Trump promised to rebuild trust, pride, and confidence in America, and proudly declared that his inauguration marked a “liberation day” for American citizens.

“The American dream will soon be back and thriving like never before.”

Trump, situated approximately four feet from Biden, at various times strongly denounced the latter. He implied that Biden’s administration was “a horrible betrayal” of America. His “liberation day” comment could definitely be construed to suggest that Biden’s presidency was tyrannical or authoritarian. Trump said that DOGE, his “Department of Government Efficiency” would “restore competence and effectiveness in our federal government.” This comment suggesting Biden’s inaptitude was followed by a somewhat lengthy guarantee to improve the justice system. “Never again will the immense power of the state be weaponized to persecute political opponents—something I know something about,” he said.

He has promised to place trade tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. According to PBS, he claims that these tariffs are paid by the countries exporting goods to America, when in reality they are paid by the American companies importing said goods. These companies, in response, usually raise their prices.

“We are one people, one family, and one glorious nation under God.” The latter half of Trump’s speech mused about the pioneers of America and about manifest destiny. He told of the people who expanded west, built cities, and raised skyscrapers. “The spirit of the frontier is written into our hearts.” He boiled this point down to say we will work together to “rebuild the nation that we love—and we love it so much.”

“My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and a unifier,” he said. “We will not be conquered, we will not be intimidated… we will live proudly, we will dream boldly, and nothing will stand in our way because we are Americans.”

Expansion

“The United States will once again consider itself a growing nation—one that increases our wealth, expands our territory, builds our cities, raises our expectations, and carries our flag into new and beautiful horizons. And we will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars.” At this, Elon Musk seemed quite happy.

Trump has made statements in the past saying that he intends to annex Greenland and even Canada into the United States. Whether these claims were in some form 

 of jest is still unclear. 

Immigration

Trump promised very substantial changes to the immigration system.

“I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came…. And I will send troops to the southern border to repel the disastrous invasion of our country.”

So Far

On January 23, active troops arrived in El Paso and San Diego to fulfill Trump’s promises of immigration reform.

Following Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship, many states have joined to form a lawsuit against him. On the 23rd, a federal judge temporarily blocked the order.

Trump pardoned January 6 rioters and anti-abortion protestors who blocked clinic entrances.

Trump signed an executive order that declared there are only two genders. (The wording of the order, which is based on “sex at conception,” has raised questions, given that sexual differentiation is impossible at such an early stage.)

Trump’s changes will likely continue with extraordinary vigor and impact, altering the political landscape dramatically. With Congress in his favor, there is definitely more change to come, and fast.

Sources 

“Donald Trump | Breaking News & Latest Updates.” AP News, 2021

“The Inaugural Address – the White House.” The White House, 20 Jan. 2025

News, PBS. “Trump Favors Huge New Tariffs. How Do They Work?” PBS News, 27 Sept. 2024