Trump's Inauguration: Key Takeaways and Global Reactions

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking a significant shift in American politics and global dynamics. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the inauguration events, key policy announcements, and international reactions.

The Inauguration Speech

Trump's inaugural address lasted approximately 30 minutes and focused primarily on domestic issues. The key themes included:

• Rebuilding America's "Golden Age"
• Emphasizing "Manifest Destiny" and spheres of influence
• Discussing tariffs and referencing President McKinley
• Mentioning space exploration, including plans for Mars
• Proposing to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America"

Notably absent from the speech were direct mentions of Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, the Middle East, or Iran. The only significant foreign policy statement was:

"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."

Regarding economic policy, Trump stated:

"Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens."

Executive Orders

Immediately following the inauguration, President Trump signed numerous executive orders. Some of the most significant included:

1. Pardoning approximately 1,500 January 6 protesters
2. Banning government involvement in censorship
3. Closing the southern border
4. Designating drug cartels as terrorist organizations
5. Extending the deadline for TikTok by 75 days
6. Reinstating Cuba on the terror list
7. Initiating the process to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization (WHO)
8. Revoking security clearances of various intelligence officials, including John Bolton

Mini Press Conference

While signing these executive orders, Trump engaged in an impromptu press conference, addressing various issues:

On Gaza:

"I'm not confident that the ceasefire will last. That's not our war, it's their war. Gaza is interesting, it's a phenomenal location... I looked at a picture of Gaza, it's like a giant demolition site. That place needs to be rebuilt."

On Russia and Ukraine:

Trump's comments on this topic were controversial and potentially based on outdated or inaccurate information. He stated:

• The conflict is not going well for Russia
• Putin thought he would take Ukraine in one week, but it's been three years
• Russia has lost nearly one million soldiers, while Ukraine has lost 700,000
• Russia's economy is struggling

These statements contradict many expert assessments and recent economic data about Russia's situation.

International Reactions

Russia

Prior to Trump's comments, Russian President Vladimir Putin had congratulated Trump on his inauguration and expressed readiness for dialogue to address the root causes of the Ukraine conflict. However, Trump's subsequent remarks about Russia may complicate future negotiations.

Panama

Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo strongly rejected Trump's comments about potentially taking control of the Panama Canal, stating:

"I must wholeheartedly reject the remarks President Trump made in his inaugural speech regarding Panama and its Canal. The administration of the canal will remain under Panamanian control, with respect for its permanent neutrality."

France

French President Emmanuel Macron gave a speech emphasizing the need for increased military spending, particularly in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He suggested that the war would be prolonged and that France needed to prepare for long-term engagement.

European Union

Reports indicate that EU officials, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, are seeking a meeting with President Trump, though no confirmation has been given yet.

Media Coverage and Analysis

Time Magazine Article

A controversial Time Magazine article titled "Why Biden's Ukraine Win Was Zelensky's Loss" suggested that the Biden administration considered its Ukraine policy a success, despite the ongoing conflict. The article claimed that Biden had three main objectives:

1. Supporting Ukraine (without specifying victory)
2. Keeping the US and its allies united
3. Avoiding direct conflict between Russia and NATO

The article argued that these objectives were met, even if Ukraine's territorial integrity was not fully restored.

Telegraph Misstep

The UK's Telegraph newspaper faced criticism for publishing a misleading comparison of inauguration crowd sizes, using a photo from 2017 instead of the 2025 indoor ceremony.

Social Media and Public Reaction

• Melania Trump's post-inauguration outfit sparked discussions and comparisons to the "V for Vendetta" theme.
• Lauren Sanchez's attire at the inauguration drew attention and criticism for being potentially inappropriate.
• A video clip of Mark Zuckerberg appearing to look at Sanchez went viral.
• Senator John Fetterman's casual attire (hoodie and shorts) at the inauguration was widely commented on.
• General Mark Milley's portrait was removed from the Pentagon following Trump's inauguration.
• Hillary Clinton was caught on camera laughing during Trump's "Gulf of America" comments.

Elon Musk Controversy

Elon Musk faced backlash for a gesture he made during a speech thanking supporters. While Musk intended to convey giving his heart to the audience, some media outlets misinterpreted it as a controversial salute, leading to sensationalized headlines.

Conclusion

Donald Trump's return to the presidency has already signaled significant shifts in both domestic and foreign policy. His inaugural speech and immediate executive actions demonstrate a focus on America-first policies, border security, and a reevaluation of international engagements. However, his comments on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and other global issues suggest potential challenges in international diplomacy moving forward.

As the new administration settles in, it will be crucial to monitor how campaign promises translate into concrete policies and how the global community responds to America's new direction. The coming months will likely bring further clarity on the Trump administration's approach to pressing international issues and its vision for America's role on the world stage.

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