Donald Trump wasted no time dismantling Joe Biden’s legacy upon taking office as the 47th president of the United States. On his first day back in the White House, Trump pardoned nearly all of his supporters involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots and signed an array of executive orders aimed at reshaping American institutions.
It was a bold and rapid start for a president returning to power after a historic political comeback. Four years after his defeat, Trump launched what he described as the beginning of “a golden age” for the nation, seizing the opportunity to advance his long-standing agenda.
Among the executive orders signed on Monday were directives to bolster border security, classify drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, restrict birthright citizenship, freeze new regulations, and create a task force to streamline the federal government.
Trump also rescinded numerous policies enacted by Biden, including initiatives on climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Walking into the remodeled Oval Office after his inauguration, Trump remarked, “It’s one of the better feelings I’ve ever had.” Unlike his first term, where his administration often struggled to define his objectives, Trump’s team now appeared more prepared and methodical in pursuing his priorities.
His first significant action was pardoning approximately 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the Capitol riots, including those convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers. Trump also commuted the sentences of 14 individuals, including leaders of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys.
These sweeping pardons underscored Trump’s unwavering support for those who had sought to overturn his 2020 election defeat. Describing them as “hostages,” Trump expressed confidence they would soon be released, as supporters gathered outside a Washington, D.C., jail in anticipation.
Trump’s inauguration, a mix of formal ceremony and his characteristic off-the-cuff remarks, showcased his unique blend of humor and sharp rhetoric.
Due to frigid weather, the swearing-in ceremony was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda, marking the first time in 40 years such a change had occurred. The traditional inaugural parade was replaced by a celebratory event featuring marching bands at Capital One Arena.
In his inaugural address, Trump declared the start of “the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense.”
He emphasized the need to address what he described as a “crisis of trust” in government, pledging to reverse what he called a “horrible betrayal” of the American people. Promising to restore faith, wealth, democracy, and freedom, Trump proclaimed, “From this moment on, America’s decline is over.”
Trump’s remarks also hinted at ambitious territorial and space exploration goals, including acquiring Greenland from Denmark and restoring U.S. control of the Panama Canal.
Additionally, he pledged to pursue space exploration, envisioning American astronauts landing on Mars. Elon Musk, present at the event alongside other tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, and Sundar Pichai, visibly supported Trump’s vision with enthusiastic gestures.
The crowd that had gathered in Washington to witness Trump’s swearing-in adapted to the sudden venue change, with supporters finding alternate locations to watch the ceremony.
Meanwhile, tech and business leaders mingled with Trump’s incoming team in the Rotunda, symbolizing a striking union of wealth and political power under the leadership of a billionaire president.
Following the ceremony, Trump escorted Biden to the Capitol’s east side, where the outgoing president departed via helicopter, signaling the end of his tenure.
As Biden left, Trump resumed his day by addressing his supporters in the Capitol, sharing extended remarks filled with conspiracy theories and criticisms of figures like Liz Cheney, whom he derisively referred to as “a crying lunatic.”
Trump later moved to the Capital One Arena, where he signed executive orders before an audience of cheering supporters.
Mixing the theatrics of his campaign rallies with the authority of his office, he declared, “We won, we won, but now the work begins.” Amid the cheers of his supporters wearing “Make America Great Again” hats, Trump taunted his predecessor, jesting, “Could you imagine Biden doing this? I don’t think so!” before tossing signing pens into the crowd.
Trump’s unprecedented return to the White House marked a remarkable political revival. Despite his loss in 2020, he maintained control of the Republican Party and overcame significant challenges, including criminal charges and two assassination attempts, to reclaim the presidency.
His victory was fueled by voter frustration with inflation and illegal immigration, reinforcing his resilience as a political figure.
Trump, now the first convicted felon to serve as president, pledged to uphold the Constitution from the same site his supporters had overrun on January 6. Supporters like Pam Pollard, a longtime Republican official from Oklahoma, viewed his election as divinely guided, expressing confidence in his leadership.
As Biden exited office, he issued preemptive pardons for family members and government officials, shielding them from potential prosecutions under the new administration. Trump criticized these pardons, suggesting they cast a shadow of guilt over Biden’s presidency.
Late in the day, a reporter asked Trump whether Biden had left him a traditional note in the Resolute Desk. Producing an envelope from the desk, Trump joked, “Maybe we should all read it together?” before setting it aside without opening it.
Trump’s inauguration signaled the beginning of a new chapter in his presidency, filled with bold promises, sweeping actions, and the characteristic showmanship that has defined his political career.