On November 5, 2024, the United States held its presidential election, culminating in a victory for Donald Trump over incumbent President Kamala Harris. The election day was marked by high voter turnout and intense media coverage. Trump spent the day in Florida, casting his vote in person, and later hosted an election night watch party at his Mar-a-Lago property.
Inauguration and Immediate Executive Actions
On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. In his inaugural address, he declared it “liberation day” and announced a “revolution of common sense” aimed at restoring American prosperity and pride.
Immediately following the inauguration, President Trump signed a series of executive orders to reverse policies from the previous administration:
- Withdrawal from International Agreements: The U.S. retracted its participation in the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization, signaling a shift in environmental and health policies.
- Immigration and Border Security: A national emergency was declared at the southern border to halt illegal immigration. Policies such as the “Remain in Mexico” were reinstated, and Mexican drug cartels were designated as foreign terrorist organizations.
- Energy Policies: Environmental standards were loosened to boost fossil fuel usage, including pausing funding for electric vehicle charging stations and reviewing policies that hinder domestic energy development.
- Pardons: A controversial pardon was issued for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol protests, a move that sparked significant debate.
Engagement with Tech Industry Leaders
Notably, tech industry leaders such as Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk attended private events surrounding the inauguration, indicating a potential shift in the relationship between the tech industry and the administration. Their presence suggests an alignment of interests and a possible influence on future policies.
Conclusion
President Trump’s inauguration marked the beginning of significant policy reversals and set the tone for his administration’s priorities. The immediate executive actions reflect a commitment to the “America First” philosophy, with substantial implications for domestic and international affairs.