Washington, United States – Donald Trump assumed the presidency for a historic second term on January 20, 2025, casting himself as a peacemaker and pledging a transformative vision for America and the world. Speaking at his inauguration in the Rotunda of the US Capitol, Trump heralded his return as an opportunity to unify a fractured nation and bring about a “golden age” for the United States.
“My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier. That’s what I want to be — a peacemaker and a unifier,” Trump declared after taking the oath of office. He highlighted the ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas as a significant step toward peace, emphasizing, “As of yesterday, one day before I assumed office, the hostages in the Middle East are coming back home to their families.” The announcement was met with a standing ovation from the audience.
The agreement, which involved the exchange of hostages kidnapped in the October 7, 2023, attacks and Palestinian captives, was a culmination of diplomatic efforts spearheaded by both the outgoing Biden administration and Trump’s transition team. Trump expressed confidence that his administration would build upon this success, vowing to rebuild the world’s strongest military while ensuring peace prevails. “We will measure our success not only by the battles we win but also by the wars that we end, and, perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into,” he said.
While Trump’s address centered on unity and peace, he also signaled a firm stance on global and domestic issues. In a provocative move, he announced that the United States would refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” and reiterated his intent to “take back” the Panama Canal, citing concerns over China’s growing influence. “Above all, China is operating the Panama Canal, and we didn’t give it to China; we gave it to Panama. And we’re taking it back,” Trump declared.
Domestically, Trump vowed to address illegal immigration and reaffirm traditional values. He announced plans to declare a national emergency at the southern border and deport millions of illegal immigrants. He also pledged to end the recognition of non-binary genders in federal documentation, stating, “We will recognize only two genders, male and female.”
Trump’s inaugural speech also took aim at the Biden administration, accusing it of betraying the American people. He criticized the outgoing administration’s foreign policy and handling of domestic issues, asserting, “My recent election is a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal and to give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy, and indeed their freedom.”
The ceremony, held indoors due to freezing weather, featured notable attendees, including former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with tech magnates Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Sundar Pichai. Trump’s return to the presidency was marked by both celebration and controversy, as he became only the second president in US history to win a non-consecutive second term, following Grover Cleveland in 1893.
In a symbolic gesture of reconciliation, outgoing President Joe Biden welcomed Trump to the White House for tea before the inauguration. However, the transition was not without contention. Biden issued preemptive pardons for his family and associates in his final hours in office, underscoring the divisive political climate.
Looking ahead, Trump promised bold initiatives, including a renewed space exploration effort. “We will plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars,” he proclaimed, setting an ambitious tone for his administration’s second term.