A historic ceremony under the sign of magnitude
It was under the rotunda of the Capitol, an emblem of American democracy, that Donald Trump took the oath of office for his second term. Unlike 2017, where the inauguration took place outdoors on the steps of the Capitol, the freezing temperatures in Washington, around -6°C, forced the organizers to move the ceremony indoors.
The day began with a morning mass at Saint John Church. This is a tradition for incoming presidents, followed by tea at the White House with Joe Biden, the outgoing president. This meeting symbolized the transfer of power in a particularly tense context, marked by extreme political polarization.
At noon, Donald Trump took the oath of office before the chief justice of the Supreme Court, after his vice-president James David Vance, a rising star of the conservative movement. In a thirty-minute speech, Trump promised to bring the United States into a « golden age », highlighting his « America First » program. He has called for an economic renaissance, drastic immigration reform, and a return to what he considers America’s « core values. »
A day punctuated by exceptional events
After the swearing-in, the president signed 26 decrees in the Hall of Presidents. This decision reflects his desire to act quickly. These decrees, addressing subjects such as immigration, the environment and foreign policy, mark a clear break with the policies of his predecessor.
A traditional luncheon at the Capitol followed, bringing together political figures and leaders from around the world. However, one of the most anticipated moments of the day was the presidential parade. Usually held on the National Mall, it was held inside the Capital One Arena to avoid the bitter cold. This logistical change was hailed by some as a show of pragmatism. Others saw it as a symbol of the country’s divisions, with the parade traditionally being a moment of national communion.
The day ended with three lavish balls: the Liberty Ball, the Commander-in-Chief Ball and the Starlight Ball. Donald Trump made a notable appearance by dancing to an Elvis Presley song and posing alongside the Village People group. These festive events, although flamboyant, were organized under extreme security. Indeed, 48 kilometers of barriers and 25,000 police officers were mobilized to ensure the smooth running of the day.
A large-scale international gathering
The inauguration ceremony was also marked by the presence of a large number of international personalities.
Among them, major figures of the global populist right such as Giorgia Meloni (Italy), Javier Milei (Argentina), and Nigel Farage (United Kingdom). This influx reflects Trump’s role as symbolic leader of this political movement.
On the side of American leaders, three former presidents – Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush – were present, highlighting the historical importance of the event.
However, some major absences, such as the Chinese President Xi Jinping, who sent a representative, showed the continuing geopolitical tensions.
The business world was also well represented, with figures like Elon Musk, future director of the Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE), as well as Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and Tim Cook. These figures symbolize the pro-business orientation that Trump intends to give to his mandate.
International reactions: between hopes and concerns
The inauguration of Donald Trump provoked contrasting international reactions, mixing optimism and caution.
Ursula von der Leyen, in Europe, praised the importance of the transatlantic partnership. She highlighted the challenges ahead, particularly on climate and trade. In Germany, Olaf Scholz stressed the need to maintain strong relations. King Charles III , in the UK, recalled the « special relationship » between the two nations. In Canada, Justin Trudeau stressed the importance of economic cooperation, saying the two countries are stronger together. Vladimir Putin called for dialogue on Ukraine to find lasting peace, while Benjamin Netanyahu expressed enthusiasm for strengthening Israeli-US ties. In India, Narendra Modi welcomed the prospect of working with Trump again. Meanwhile, on the Palestinian Authority side, Mahmoud Abbas said he wanted to restart discussions on a two-state solution. Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope for a just peace in Ukraine. Finally, Lula da Silva recalled the importance of the United States as a strategic partner for Brazil.
An ambitious and controversial program
On January 20, 2025, on his first day in the White House, Donald Trump signed a total of 26 executive orders, marking a return to his conservative priorities. These decrees affect various areas, ranging from immigration to foreign policy, including the environment and the federal administration. Their objective is to profoundly redefine the direction of the country and to strengthen the “America First”. This vision was already carried during his first mandate.
One of the most controversial decrees was the declaration of a state of emergency on the border with Mexico. It allows the sending of armed forces to strengthen security and accelerate the construction of the border barrier. This decision revives the issue of illegal immigration and border security, a central issue in Trump’s campaign.
In addition, he announced the elimination of the soli tax. This would limit access to citizenship for children born in the United States to foreign parents. However, this measure could face legal obstacles due to its incompatibility with the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.
Trump also signed an executive order designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This move would strengthen sanctions and give U.S. authorities additional tools to combat drug trafficking, while potentially increasing tensions with neighboring countries, notably Mexico.
On the international stage, one of his first actions was to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision reflected his criticism of the management of the global pandemic and the costs associated with the organization. At the same time, he announced the return of Cuba to the list of countries supporting terrorism, thus reinstating economic sanctions against the island, a measure which could harm relations with other Latin American countries.
On environmental matters, Trump ordered the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Accords, thus going back on the commitment made by his predecessor, Barack Obama. The move aims to strengthen America’s fossil fuel industries and reduce environmental regulations. This could lead to an exacerbation of tensions with countries signing the agreements.
On the economic front, a decree was signed to freeze new leases for offshore renewable energy projects, while existing oil and gas concessions would be maintained. This measure reinforces Trump’s commitment to the exploitation of fossil fuels at the expense of renewable energies.
In terms of federal administration, Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). It is an agency dedicated to streamlining government spending and facilitating reductions in the number of federal employees. At the same time, he signed a decree canceling teleworking for federal civil servants, requiring their return to offices, except for specific exceptions.
The judicial and social domain were also affected by the presidential pardon granted to certain attackers of the Capitol, a controversial measure which fueled criticism of respect for the rule of law and the need for national reconciliation. Additionally, Trump signed an executive order against government censorship. It was aimed at protecting free speech, particularly as it relates to digital platforms.
Finally, the president made the decision to lift sanctions against Israeli settlers in the West Bank, a move that strengthens support for Israeli policies in the occupied territories and risks reigniting tensions in the Middle East.
To conclude, this symbolic inauguration gave a foretaste of the impact that Trump wishes to leave on the United States and more broadly, on the world.
