Donald Trump has made a historic return to the White House, becoming the 47th President of the United States. This marks an unprecedented comeback, as he is only the second president in U.S. history to win a non-consecutive second term, following Grover Cleveland in 1892, and is the only President in history to be a convicted felon.
On Trump’s first full day back in office, he had a busy schedule. He attended a national prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral, which is a customary visit for new presidents. During the service, the Right Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, encouraged Trump to demonstrate compassion for LGBTQ+ individuals and undocumented migrant workers.
“Let me make one final plea, Mr. President,” Rev. Budd pleaded. “Millions have put their trust in you, and as you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families, some who fear for their lives. The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals, they may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurdwara, and temples. I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear their parents will be taken away, and that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here.”
Trump, however, was not impressed, stating, “Not too exciting was it. I didn’t think it was a good service. They could do much better.”
In a move reminiscent of his reality TV show “The Apprentice,” Trump announced on his Truth social media network that he would fire more than 1,000 presidential appointees “who are not aligned with our vision.” Among those being let go are several high-profile individuals, including chef and humanitarian José Andrés, retired General Mark Milley, former State Department official Brian Hook, and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Trump announced a new partnership aimed at investing in artificial intelligence infrastructure. The new company, Stargate, plans to invest up to $500 billion over the next four years in AI infrastructure, with plans to begin construction in Texas. This partnership includes prominent business leaders such as Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank Group; Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI; and Larry Ellison, Chairman of Oracle Corp.
Trump’s return to power has been characterized by a series of executive orders designed to accelerate deportations, boost fossil fuel development, and diminish civil service protections for government workers. He proclaimed the start of “a thrilling new era of national success” and highlighted that “a tide of change is sweeping the country.”
On his first day back in the White House, President Trump signed numerous executive orders, many of which he had promised during his campaign. Among the most notable actions was the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, a move that has sparked both praise and criticism from various groups. Trump also declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, designating criminal cartels as terrorist organizations and ordering the U.S. armed forces to support immigration agents in addressing illegal migration and drug trafficking.
In a controversial decision, he pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Additionally, Trump signed an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” a symbolic gesture aimed at asserting American dominance. He also reinstated the name Mount McKinley for North America’s highest peak, reversing the Obama-era designation of Denali.
On his second day, President Trump continued his aggressive agenda. He signed orders to halt the enforcement of a ban on TikTok for 75 days, giving the popular social media platform a reprieve. Trump also moved to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion funding in the federal government, a decision that has received mixed reactions. In an effort to boost the economy, he signed orders to ease oil and natural gas production regulations, particularly in Alaska. He also announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico starting February 1, although details regarding taxes on Chinese imports remain unclear.
Despite facing significant legal challenges, including four criminal indictments and surviving two assassination attempts, Trump has successfully maintained his hold on the Republican Party. He has tapped into voters’ frustrations with inflation and illegal immigration.
As Trump returns to the White House, his administration is beginning to take form. Marco Rubio has been confirmed as Secretary of State, and additional Cabinet members are expected to be announced soon. Trump is also scheduled to meet with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune to discuss his agenda.
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