WASHINGTON — In a dramatic political comeback, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States at 12:02 p.m. on Monday, marking the beginning of a second, nonconsecutive term. The ceremony, which took place inside the Capitol building, was attended by an array of influential figures, including former presidents, prominent billionaires, and members of Congress.
Trump’s return to power represents an unprecedented chapter in American history. The former president is now only the second U.S. president to serve nonconsecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland.
Unlike the typical outdoor inauguration event, the ceremony was moved indoors due to freezing temperatures, but it did not dampen the significance of the moment. Trump’s ascension to the presidency, after a series of legal and political challenges, has been nothing short of extraordinary.
His re-emergence comes just months after being convicted in a high-profile politicized hush money case, making him the first former president and felon to be sworn in for a second term. Yet, despite these controversies, Trump has managed to retain his grip on the American political landscape, with a majority of American voters giving him their support.
The Republican Party, which now holds majorities in both chambers of Congress, has undergone a significant transformation over the past several years, with many establishment figures sidelined in favor of Trump loyalists. In the wake of his political revival, the former president is no longer facing the kind of fierce opposition he once did, with both business leaders and foreign dignitaries eager to align with him once again.
As Trump took the oath of office, he indicated that his agenda for the coming months would be aggressive. In the hours following the ceremony, he is expected to issue numerous executive orders, including measures to curb illegal immigration, dismantle federal diversity and inclusion initiatives, and reverse protections for transgender individuals. Trump has also hinted at far-reaching policies, including the imposition of new tariffs, mass deportations, and a sweeping reduction in the size of the federal government.
With his political comeback, Trump has signaled that he intends to continue his quest to reshape the nation, further challenging the political norms he has long sought to disrupt.
