Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, making perhaps the most remarkable political comeback in American history.
The Republican, who is the first convicted felon to become commander in chief, spoke at the inaugural parade and later in the Oval Office on issues ranging from climate change to immigration to the January 6 riot. signed an executive order. cause controversy.
In his inaugural address, Trump declared that “the golden age begins now,” and also said he would rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America” and take back the Panama Canal.
Donald Trump signed the pardon for the defendants in the Oval Office on January 6th. Photo: Reuters
Donald Trump sings the Executive Order on Free Speech at his inaugural parade. Photo: Reuters
“I’m going to put America first…The scales of justice will be recalibrated,” he said. “From this moment on, America’s decline will end.”
Follow us live: President Trump returns to power
In an executive order, the president “declared a national emergency” at the southern border with Mexico and also declared a “national energy emergency.”
He granted pardons and commutations to those involved in the January 6 riot, and aimed to grant automatic citizenship to U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants.
He also withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization, and promised to impose tariffs and taxes on foreign countries to enrich Americans.
Read more: What executive orders did President Trump sign?
Donald Trump during a performance of The Star-Spangled Banner. Photo: Reuters
In his inaugural address, he vowed to “build the most powerful military the world has ever seen,” and also turned his attention to the Panama Canal.
Donald Trump shakes hands with Joe Biden. Photo: Reuters
“China runs the Panama Canal, but we didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back.”
The president did not say exactly what steps he would take to regain control of the vital waterway.
Panama’s President José Raul Mulino reacted soon after, saying the canal “is and always will be Panama’s.”
Trump has also talked in recent weeks about taking control of Greenland and turning Canada into a U.S. state, but these claims were not addressed in his inaugural address.
However, it also included a promise to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”
Elon Musk cheers as US President Donald Trump addresses the crowd. Photo: Reuters
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The awkward moment when President Trump couldn’t kiss First Lady Melania Trump
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“Saved by God to make America great again.”
“The journey to take back our republic was not an easy one,” Trump said of his return from defeat in 2020.
“I was saved by God to make America great again,” he said, referring to the assassination attempt in which he was shot.
“I hope that the recent presidential election will be remembered as the greatest and most consequential election in our nation’s history.
“As our victory showed, support from nearly every element of society has increased dramatically, and the entire country is rapidly uniting behind our policies,” he said.
He gave a series of speeches throughout the day and ended the evening by attending several celebratory balls.
President Trump announced a number of measures during his speech. Photo: Reuters/Chip Somodevilla/Pool
Starmer, Meloni and other world leaders congratulate Trump
Many world leaders sent congratulations and well wishes to President Trump.
Sir Keir Starmer noted the centuries-old relationship between the US and UK, saying: ‘Together we have defended the world against tyranny and worked towards mutual security and prosperity.
“With President Trump’s long-standing love and historic ties to the United Kingdom, I am confident that our friendship will continue to be deep.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “We will work with you to return the remaining hostages, destroy Hamas’ military capabilities, end its political control in Gaza, and ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.” I’m looking forward to it.”
“I am confident that the friendship between our two countries and the values that unite us will continue to strengthen cooperation between Italy and the United States,” said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Meanwhile, King Charles wished the new president every success and sent a personal message to Mr Trump, congratulating him and reflecting on the enduring special relationship between Britain and the US.
Donald Trump takes the presidential oath. Photo: Reuters
What happened to the kiss?
Just before he began his speech, his wife Melania stood beside him and took the oath of office for the second time in his life.
The gun salute marked the beginning of the administration of the 47th U.S. president.
Many former presidents and foreign politicians were in the room to watch the transfer of power, as well as a number of big tech companies and billionaires who tried to court Trump’s support.
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President Trump and First Lady Melania share an awkward kiss
But the ceremony was not without its awkward moments, including Trump attempting to kiss his wife but missing her face as he tried to take his seat in the Capitol Rotunda before the swearing-in. There was also a scene.
The ceremony, usually held outdoors, was held inside the Capitol Rotunda because of the weather, which was predicted to be the coldest Inauguration Day in 40 years.
Earlier in the day, Trump and first lady Melania Trump joined Joe Biden and first lady Jill for a tea ceremony traditionally held on Inauguration Day to welcome the new president. They then all rode in the same car in a motorcade to the Capitol.
