- Trump Pardons 1,500 Capitol Rioters
- Immediate Executive Orders on Immigration, Environment, and National Security
- Economic Impact: Tariff Threats Cause Currency Fluctuations
- Global Reactions to Trump’s Foreign Policy Shifts
- Inaugural Speech: “Restoring America” and Expansionist Vision
On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump took the oath for his second term as the 47th President of the United States, making a controversial comeback. Just under three years after a chaotic first term and a narrow defeat to Joe Biden, Trump returned to the White House. His mission was clear: to regain dominance and undo Biden’s policies.
Trump made headlines with his mass pardon of nearly 1,500 people convicted for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Critics slammed this move, saying it ignored justice and accountability. The riot had left over 140 officers injured and caused significant property damage, sparking debates about the rule of law.
Swift Executive Actions
Trump wasted no time asserting his authority, quickly signing executive orders to undo key aspects of Joe Biden’s policies. One of his first actions was ending a program that let migrants schedule legal entry appointments via a smartphone app. The cancellation affected over 1,600 Afghans, including families of military personnel who had supported U.S. operations in Afghanistan.
Trump also declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border. This move allowed for the reallocation of funds for border security and the deployment of troops to enforce immigration laws. His decision tied directly to his long-standing immigration agenda focused on halting illegal immigration and strengthening border security.
Environmental policies were another area of focus on Trump’s first day. His administration pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement on climate change again. This decision mirrored his first term’s stance and reflected his preference for economic growth over international climate accords and environmental regulations, especially supporting fossil fuel extraction and rolling back Obama-era climate policies.
Economic and Foreign Policy
Trump’s second term promises to impact global trade, with significant moves already hinted at. On January 20, 2025, he suggested imposing new tariffs on Mexico and Canada, possibly raising them by 25% starting February 1. This news quickly affected markets, with the Mexican peso and Canadian dollar both seeing declines, as investors reacted to the uncertainty around his protectionist policies.
Trump also shared his broader foreign policy vision during his inauguration. He vowed to “restore America’s greatness” and mentioned expanding U.S. territories, including a renewed focus on the Panama Canal and possibly acquiring Greenland from Denmark. While these statements grabbed attention, many diplomats and world leaders remain uncertain about their real-world impact on U.S. relationships with allies.
Trump’s Inaugural Speech
The inaugural speech delivered by Trump was combative, unapologetic, and marked by a deep sense of purpose. He framed his return to power as the beginning of a new chapter in American history, one that would “restore the American dream” and make the country “great again.” Trump’s rhetoric painted a picture of a nation that had been weakened by globalism and left-wing policies, and he promised to reclaim American sovereignty and power.
“We are here today to restore the will of the people,” Trump declared. His message was one of reclaiming American identity, promising that the government would focus on the needs of its citizens rather than the demands of foreign nations or multinational corporations. The speech hinted at a government that would embrace aggressive nationalism and populism, with policies aimed at reducing government size, limiting immigration, and reinvigorating American industry.
While Trump’s speech resonated with his supporters, it alienated many critics, especially those who viewed his presidency as divisive. The speech was also notable for its absence of any significant outreach to political opponents, reflecting the deepening polarization that has come to define American politics in the Trump era.
Trump’s Return: A Second Term Full of Uncertainty
Trump’s return to the White House sets the stage for a second term filled with controversy. His early actions show his commitment to reversing Biden-era policies, expanding presidential powers, and pushing his vision of American greatness. However, these moves have already sparked significant backlash, leaving many questioning their long-term impact on both domestic and international issues.
The pardoning of Capitol rioters and the cancellation of migration programs reflect Trump’s focus on law and order, national security, and economic nationalism. However, these actions could lead to legal challenges, with Democrats and other critics opposing his decisions. The consequences of his actions remain uncertain.
Trump’s foreign policy approach also brings uncertainty, especially with threats of tariffs and territorial expansion. These policies are likely to test relationships with key allies and trading partners. Growing tensions with Canada and Mexico could impact trade and diplomatic relations in ways that could have long-lasting effects.
Trump’s second-term inauguration marks the start of a new, unpredictable chapter in U.S. politics. His bold actions and rhetoric have already shifted the political landscape. The nation now faces the challenge of navigating a presidency that seeks to return to past ideals while adapting to a rapidly changing world.